[Kimberly]

#1064778

Hi Lauri – Thyroglobulin is considered a "tumor marker", so that is why your doc’s office said they had not run that test. However, there are two other antibody tests that are specific to Graves’: TRab and TSI. TRab are antibodies directed against the TSH receptors on our thyroid glands. TRab that cause stimulation to the thyroid (thus making us hypER) are sometimes called TSI or TSAb ("s" for "stimultaing).

These antibody tests are often used in making an initial Graves’ diagnosis…and also in helping to determine when the antibody activity has been reduced to the point where a patient is ready to stop taking Anti-Thyroid Drugs.

Some docs, however, will make a diagnosis of Graves’ if the patient has elevated levels of T3/T4 *and* an uptake scan is consistent with Graves’ disease (higher than normal updake of iodine and no sign of nodules).

Hope this helps!

[Lauri]

#1064779

thanks Kim, that was quick…i do have nodules, and even though the uptake was considered normal, though i don’t recall the numbers off the top of my head, i do recall him stating he was surprised the numbers weren’t higher based on the blood test results showing Graves’. I assumed he did all those tests, but when I received the copies, there were nothing listed. Anyway…i trust them, as my Dr. is listed as one of the top-notch in this area of medicine. thankful for that! adn thankful for this board!

[Kimberly]

#1064780

Lauri – Sorry, I missed that you had nodules. Perhaps the doctor was not as concerned based on the results of your uptake scan. Cancerous nodules almost always show up as "cold" on an uptake scan, meaning that the nodules take up *less* iodine than the surrounding tissue. (However, as a side note, most "cold" nodules are NOT malignant).

It sounds like you are confident in your doctor’s judgement (which is great), but if you still have concerns, it wouldn’t hurt to just ask about this at your next visit.

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