Preoperative Thyroglobulin and Thyroid Pathologies: A Single Center Experience

Introduction: Thyroid nodules are frequently found in the general population, though malignancy is confirmed in only a minority of cases. Distinguishing between benign and malignant nodules before surgery is vital for appropriate clinical management. The utility of preoperative serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels as a diagnostic marker in thyroid carcinomas remains controversial.

This study aimed to provide a descriptive overview of patients with markedly elevated preoperative Tg levels (> 500 ng/mL) and their corresponding histopathological outcomes.Methods: A retrospective, single-center study was conducted at Smart Health Tower, which included patients who underwent surgical interventions for thyroid disorders between 2019 and 2025, with preoperative serum Tg levels exceeding 500 ng/mL. Patients were excluded if they had incomplete medical records. Patient demographics, clinical features, preoperative findings, surgical details, and final histopathology were retrieved from electronic medical records.Results: A total of 260 patients were included, predominantly female (73.08%), with a median age of 49 years (QR: 38–61).

Neck swelling was the most common symptom (63.08%). Ultrasonography showed follicular nodular disease in 60.0%. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed Bethesda II in 20.0%, IV in 13.85%, and VI in 11.15% of cases.

Total thyroidectomy was performed in 74.62% of cases. Histopathology showed benign lesions in 70.77% and malignant lesions in 29.23% of the cases.Conclusion: Preoperative Tg levels may be elevated in both benign and malignant thyroid disorders; however, Tg may not possess adequate …