Are Ovarian, breast and thyroid cancers linked

Doctors found a tumor on my thyroid, 6weeks ago with a FNA done. I have had bleeding discharge from the left breast and had a FNA done 2 weeks ago. Both test showed no cancer but I have a history of complex cysts of the ovarie. I have not had the one ovarie I have left checked since 2005. Am I right to think that I may have another cyst of the ovarie and it has the cancer in it and that is what is causing the tumors every where else. Or am I worried about nothing.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  Women who carry certain cancer genes such as the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes have an increased chance not only of developing breast cancer, but also ovarian and thyroid cancers.  However, this condition (being a BRCA gene carrier) is relatively rare. It is very unusual for ovarian cancer to spread to the breast and thyroid.  So your breast and thyroid conditions are probably not related to your ovarian cyst, unless you have the rare condition of being a BRCA carrier.  

I'm not even sure if this is applicable to your condition since you've had two biopsies and these have turned out to be negative.  As far as the tests go, you don't have cancer at present.  So relax and quit worrying!

  

[ouchallthetime]

Cheers and thank you for the information, it helped.

[solesaver]

I too had a FNB of the thyroid which was negative but the nodule(s) continued to grow.  Even though all my thyroid functions were normal they recommended removing the thyroid.  The pathology after removal showed papillary thyroid cancer!  I also had breast cancer and melanoma--all cancer found within a six month period.  My doctors worked together and watched me and tested me--all these cancers were distinct not a spread of another cancer--I am sure your doctors will continue to monitor you.  
There is a gene mutation which they feel can be a link to breast and thyroid cancer but it is a mutation and not something you are born with.  Knowing whether or not you have this mutation mya help in diagnosis or may not. Good Luck

[ouchallthetime]

Hi solesaver,
Did you have a gut feeling you had the cancer or was it just a fluke the doctors found it all? How long was it in between the FNB's you had done and having the thyroid out? I do need a skin check and have had skin cancer before but I feel like a hypochondriac and I am also sick of getting tested. My thyroid results are overactive, that's why they done the ultrasound, and then found the cold spot. I am a little unsure of my doctor he tends to forget my past all the time and needs reminding.
I was glad to get your response and thank you for the insight.