Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
Lymph node status influences follow-up thyroglobulin levels in papillary thyroid cancer
Tsu-Hui Hubert Low1, Leigh Delbridge, Stan Sidhu
1Department of Endocrine and Oncology Surgery, University Clinic, University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia.
Background:
Elevated thyroglobulin (Tg) levels post surgery are associated with disease recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The aim of this study is to determine which clinicopathological factors influence Tg elevation following surgery and radio-iodine ablation (RAI) for PTC.
Methods:
A retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy and RAI for PTC was carried out. Prophylactic central neck dissection (CND) was performed if the diagnosis of PTC was made preoperatively. Lateral neck dissection (LND) was guided by ultrasound findings. RAI was administered 6 weeks postoperatively. Stimulated Tg levels were measured at 12 months.
Results:
One hundred patients with PTC were studied. Forty patients had routine CND. The median tumour size was 15 mm. Median stimulated Tg level at 12 months was 0.3 mug/L. On multivariate analysis the number of metastatic lymph nodes removed had a significant positive association with serum Tg levels (P = 0.003). The total number of lymph nodes resected had a significant inverse relationship with serum Tg levels (P = 0.04). Tumour size, multifocality, vascular and capsular invasion did not appear to have significant correlation with Tg levels.
Conclusion:
Lymph node metastases are associated with increased postablative Tg levels in PTC. More complete lymphadenectomy is associated with lowering of Tg levels.
Related Concept Videos
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Goiter
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
