Laboratory Diagnosis and Surveillance of Thyroid Cancer

Course overview

Thyroid carcinomas encompass a diverse group of malignancies with varying patient presentations, often featuring thyroid nodules. Diagnostic workup involves thyroid lab tests, imaging studies, and fine-needle aspiration. Treatment depends on carcinoma type, commonly involving surgical excision, radioactive iodine, or other modalities. Prognosis is generally favorable with high survival, necessitating long term surveillance. Lab tests are crucial for monitoring treatment and possible disease recurrence. Thyroglobulin interpretation faces interferences; therefore, testing methods and optimal laboratory utilization are vital. Learning Objectives: Explain the presentation, workup, treatment, and prognosis of thyroid carcinomas; Describe the laboratory tests used to monitor thyroid cancer treatment, recurrence, and the impact of certain autoantibodies on these assays: Compare and contrast thyroid cancer testing strategies and their implications for healthcare resources