A member asked:

If you have thyroid cancer will your tsh level in your blood test be abnormal?

15 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

Not usually: Most people with thyroid cancer have thyroid glands that work normally, and have a normal TSH - at least until they are removed! it is possible to have thyroid cancer and have an abnormal tsh, but this is uncommon.

Answered 6/30/2021

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Dr. Richard Orr answered

Specializes in Surgical Oncology

Hopefully: After surgery, we try to suppress potential regrowth of thyroid ca by giving a larger than normal dose of thyroid hormone (synthroid (thyroxine) or similar products). This will tell the pituitary gland to stop producing thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) so the TSH level will be lower than normal and perhaps, undetectable.

Answered 7/5/2016

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Dr. Quang Nguyen answered

Specializes in Endocrinology

No: A physician cannot tell that you have thyroid cancer by looking at the TSH level. The best way to evaluate for malignancy in a thyroid is to perform a fine needle biopsy.

Answered 7/18/2015

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Dr. Steve Martinez answered

Specializes in Breast Surgery

Usually not: Most patient with thyroid cancer have perfectly normal thyroid function as determined by their blood levels/lab work.

Answered 12/21/2012

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