[mickiko]

#1059268

I’m kind of confused about the meaning of Thyroid Peroxidase Ab. I understand it is the destructive type of Ab against the thyroid. Does anti-TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase Ab) not matter in the diagnosis of Graves’? Meaning, you can have Graves’ and be either + or – for anti-TPO?

Mine was 70 and normal is <35 IU/mL.
My Thyroglobulin Ab was normal at <20 IU/mL.

So, I think this means I do not have Hashimoto’s, right? For Hashimoto’s, both anti-TPO and Thyroglobulin Ab would need to be elevated?

My endocrinologist did not say I had Hashimoto’s but she didn’t definitively say I did not, either. She said my anti-TPO levels were only mildly elevated and that they may disappear?? Meaning, they may normalize. Has anyone heard of this happening?

I have been thinking, if I do have Hashimoto’s, there is a increased risk in developing thyroid cancer……and in that case, I might as well consider a thyroidectomy. Also, with the destructive type of Ab, I would develop hypothyroidism anyways. A family member of mine is an endocrinologist and said, I didn’t have to worry about that and that there is no data saying there is increased risk of developing thyroid cancer based on just elevated anti-TPO….so, she said stick with the plan with ATD instead of thyroidectomy.

Just wanted to hear what other people’s thoughts are on this.
Thanks!
mk

[Kimberly]

#1173745

Hello – The presence of TPOab is considered a marker for autoimmune thyroid disease. Many Graves’ patients do test positive, but a certain percentage of the population with completely normal thyroid function will also test positive for TPOab.

I don’t recall seeing any studies on a link between Hashi’s and thyroid cancer…and I have not heard of TPOab being used to determine treatment options for Graves’ patients.

[Carito71]

#1173746

Hello MK,

I had a TPOab done last year right before we started the treatments to get pregnant. My TPOab was elevated but my thyroid # (TSH only … the Dr. did not do the others) was normal. All the Dr told me then was that it could be that in the future I could develop thyroid problems and to have my thyroid checked periodically.

In Feb my OB/GYN asked for TSH labs and again the TSH was normal. In June my TSH was almost not there and I was told I had GD. It all happened so fast. I can’t tell if the TPOab got better or worst by June because the normal ranges were different. The TPOab was again elevated though.

Since you are interested in the immune part of things, I’ll share a story with you. My ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) was + for a while about 8 years ago. I was told I probably had Lupus. After seeing 2 Rheumatologist, it was confirmed that I did not. I saw an Immunologist (he passed away 2 yrs ago) who told me that I was allergic to yeast. He treated me for yeast with shots treatment. Before he started the treatment he checked my ANA once more. After being on the treatment for a while my ANA was negative.

I do believe the immune system can heal. Maybe the TPOab can also slow down like my ANA did and like you were told could happen. I’m very interested in the immunology part of GD because of my past experience with a positive ANA.

As to what TPOab represents as far as cancer goes, I don’t really know but you are asking good questions. Hopefully one day the immune system part of it all will be more understood. Any answers you find please share them with us.

Caro

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