Levels in the blood are directly proportional to the size of the thyroid. For example, thyroid cancer cells enlarge the gland and make thyroglobulin in high amounts. In fact, any disorder that increases the size of the thyroid (cancer, autoimmune disease, nodules, etc.) can raise thyroglobulin levels [2].
What does it mean when your thyroglobulin antibodies are high?
If you have high levels of antithyroglobulin antibodies in your blood, it may be a sign of serious autoimmune disorder, such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto thyroiditis. In some cases, you may have antithyroglobulin antibodies in your blood without any specific complications.
What is the treatment for high thyroid antibodies?
Hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease is caused by antibodies attacking the thyroid and turning it on (see Graves’ disease brochure). Antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine, and surgery are all effective treatments and can restore thyroid function to normal.
What are the symptoms of high thyroid antibodies?
It occurs when your body makes antibodies that attack the cells in your thyroid. Symptoms may include an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), tiredness, weight gain, and muscle weakness. You don’t need treatment if your thyroid hormone levels are normal.
What causes high thyroglobulin?
Hyperthyroidism, abnormally high activity of the thyroid gland, produces higher than normal thyroglobulin levels. Levels also rise when a thyroid tumor is present in the body.
What is a dangerous level of thyroid?
Sustained high levels of TSH can result in the formation of a goiter, or enlarged thyroid gland. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.
What does elevated thyroglobulin mean?
Your thyroglobulin levels are high and/or have increased over time. This may mean thyroid cancer cells are growing, and/or cancer is starting to spread. Little or no thyroglobulin was found. This may mean that your cancer treatment has worked to remove all thyroid cells from your body.
What does a low thyroglobulin level mean?
Diminished thyroglobulin levels indicate the effectiveness of the treatment regimen. Decreasing levels for periods of time that gradually start to increase tell the physician that there is a strong possibility that the condition has returned.
