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Date: | Sun, 13 Apr 1997 15:44:21 -0400 |
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In a message dated 97-04-12 23:09:14 EDT, [log in to unmask] (Cherise M. Kyster)
writes:
> What is the test for thyroid cancer?
Hi Everyone! This is my first post so I will take a minute to introduce
myself. I am a 39 year old female who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in
1994. After a total thyroidectomy and 2 radioactive iodine treatments I
believe I am cured.
There is no blood test to diagnose thyroid cancer. The cancerous cells
behave much like normal thyroid cells. It is rare to find abnormal blood
levels with this cancer. Traditional blood tests for cancer (CEA, etc) do not
detect most types of thyroid cancer. Radiologic exams can detect a nodule and
sometimes determine if that nodule is "hot" or "cold" (cancer is usually
cold), but cannot make a definitive diagnosis of cancer. The best diagnostic
tool short of actual surgery is a fine needle biopsy of the nodule.
Unfortunately the needle biopsy can come back as "inconclusive", which is not
a great deal of help.
After a total thyroidectomy growth of the cancer can be monitored by the
Thyroglobulin blood level. As this detects ANY thyroid tissue activity it is
not effective before surgery. Hope I could help a bit. Karen Ferguson
([log in to unmask])
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