Expert: Neha Dahiya MD - 10/5/2009

Question
She has a large goiter on throat for some time now dr ordered T3 total, T4 free TSH CBC with diff CMP utrasound for neck mass what is he looking for

Answer
Hello Judy:

Your daughter has an enlargement of thyroid gland. This could be because of a nodule/s. This affects the functioning of the gland.

The tests ordered T3 total, T4 free and TSH help evaluated the hormonal function of the gland and will help the physician to decide if the thyroid is functioning normally or is the lesion in thyroid causing the gland to over produce or under produce the thyroid hormones.

The CBC is a screening test and ultrasound helps to determine if the neck mass is solid, cystic , is it single or multiple nodules etc.

All these form baseline tests and will help decide the diagnosis and treatment or if still not providing definitive answers further tests will be done. If its causing hormonal imbalance adequate therapy can be initiated.