Thyroid Cancer, PVC's and Heredity

[Dizzle45]

I am an 18 year old college student. Recently I have been "diagnosed" with PVC's, but not been given a reason why. My doctor has me on low doses of Beta-Blockers because the PVC's became more and more frequent. My mother has also suffered with this. Now, she has noticed lumps on her neck. Turns out she has two cysts, one on both sides. She is speaking with ENT's, Endocrinologists, and surgeons to determine what to do because her vocal cords might be involved. A biopsy has also been scheduled to determine whether the cysts are cancerous or not. If it is cancer, should I be concerned? Is there a high chance that as her daughter, suffering the same symptoms at the same age she started suffering them too (around age 14), I could be at risk for the cysts and/or cancer? How fast do they come?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The PVC's would not be related in most cases unless the thyroid function blood tests are abnormal.  Once you know what is happening with your mom, her doctors should be able to tell you if this is genetic or not.  Thyroid nodules and some cancers tend to be genetic, so if hers is cancer, a thyroid ultrasound may be in order for your.