Objective To investigate explore clinical value of combined detection of serum Tg with 131I-body scintigraphy (131I-WBS) in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Methods 56 cases of DTC patients who total thyroidectomy or subtotal after 4 to 6 weeks were underwent removal of residual thyroid 131I therapy and repeated treatment for 3 to 6 months. The serum Tg levels were detected and 131I-WBS were performed. Results After first time removing residual thyroid tissue therapy, the 131I-WBS imaging found the lymphnodes, lung and bone metastases in 8 cases, the other metastases lesions were found in the rest of the secondary treatment for 3 to 6 months. The serum Tg levels in 11 patients (19.6%) were in normal range, while the 131I-WBS imaging appeared to have metastases lesions. 7 patients (12.5%) with abnormal Tg levels showed normal 131I-WBS imaging. Conclusion The serum Tg and 131I-WBS can be used as important indicators in diagnosis of DTC recurrence and metastasis. The combined detection of two methods should have important clinical value to improve the diagnostic accuracy.