[Tumor markers for endocrine neoplasms].

Tumor markers for thyroid neoplasms include thyroglobulin, calcitonin, and CEA. Thyroglobulin is particularly useful in discriminating follicular carcinoma from its benign counterparts. The measurement may also be helpful in the postoperative follow-up of patients with either follicular carcinoma or papillary carcinoma. Measuring plasma calcitonin and CEA is essential in the diagnosis and postoperative management of patients with medullary carcinoma. Highly specific genetic tests may become an alternative strategy in cases of familial medullary carcinoma. No specific tumor markers are available for parathyroid carcinoma; however, clinical characteristics provide diagnostic clues.