1 month post-op: thyroid function tests
Specific six tests of thyroid function:
- T3 (triiodothyronine )
- T4 (thyroxine )
- Free T3 (FT3)
- Free T4 (FT4)
- thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a hormone secreted by our pituitary gland, is responsible for regulating the proliferation and secretory function of thyroid cells
- Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb)
The purpose of the test is to determine the effectiveness of TSH suppression therapy (i.e., endocrine therapy with “eugenol”) based on T3, T4, and TSH levels, and to reduce the risk of recurrence by keeping TSH suppression within a certain range after surgery.
3, 6, 9, 12 months post-op: neck ultrasound and thyroid function tests
This is to detect recurrent metastases in time. Your doctor will also adjust the amount of thyroid hormone pills you take based on the TSH level in your blood.
A follow-up visit at month 12 after surgery will require an additional chest x-ray to check for metastases in the lungs.
1 year after surgery: If TSH levels are controlled within reasonable limits and no new lesions are found on neck B ultrasound, the review can be changed to 6 or 12 months for a repeat neck B ultrasound and thyroid function.
Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and calcitonin levels are also checked at follow-up in patients with myeloid carcinoma. This is because changes in their levels can indicate whether a recurrence has occurred. Depending on the changes in these two indicators, the doctor will set up a postoperative review schedule or other treatment.
Co-written by Dr. Weibo Xu, Cancer Hospital of Fudan University