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Does thyroid gland examination by palpation alter serum hormone levels?
Sema Zer Toros1, Leyla Ozel, Mehmet Murat Yekrek
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Istanbul Educational and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. semazertoros@yahoo.com
The Laryngoscope
|June 29, 2010
Summary
Routine thyroid gland palpation can significantly alter serum thyroid hormone levels, including triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and thyroglobulin (TG). These findings suggest thyroid hormone measurements should precede gland manipulation to prevent misdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Thyroid gland palpation is a routine part of physical examinations.
- The potential impact of palpation on serum thyroid hormone levels is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of routine thyroid gland palpation on serum thyroid hormone levels in patients with and without thyroid disease.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 50 adults divided into two groups: those with nodular thyroid disease and healthy controls.
- Blood samples were collected before and 2 hours after thyroid gland palpation.
- Serum levels of total T3 (TT3), total T4 (TT4), free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroglobulin (TG) were measured.
Main Results:
- Palpation significantly increased serum TT3, FT3, FT4, and TG levels in both groups.
- No significant changes were observed in TSH or TT4 levels in either group.
- The observed increases suggest palpation influences thyroid hormone dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Routine thyroid gland palpation may affect serum thyroid hormone measurements.
- It is recommended that thyroid hormone level assessments be performed before any manipulation of the thyroid gland, including palpation, to avoid potential misdiagnosis.
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