sonogram report question ~

[txgirl226]

I am a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2/07.  I recently had a CT Scan to look at 2 palpable nodes near my collarbone. I was told they were "reactive lymph nodes" and not worry. However, they found "at least 4 predominately hypoechoic to anechoic cystic foci" on the thyroid.  My oncologist is referring me to an endocrinologist even though he is telling me there is nothing to worry about.  

I know you cannot make a diagnosis by reading a US report, but are the words "hypoechoic, 'punctate calcification', ' echogenic area, and small solid nodule with doppler flow" cause for concern??

My mother has CLL also and I am worrying I may have some type of lymphoma or that the BC has mestatsized. Have you ever seen anyone with a history like mine, with words like these on their US report who recieved GOOD news? My appointment is next week.. its going to be a long weekend.

[txgirl226]

Thank you Utahmomma. Just knowing there has been benign diagnosis on similar reports makes me feel so much better.

I appreciate your advice and support more than you can imagine. :-)

[utahmomma]

Okay, no expert (by far!) on US reports - I swear they make up some of these words - but I can tell you a bit.

Calcification is a bit more concerning than if there was no calcification found.  But you probably knew this if you've been through breast cancer.  The solid nodule with doppler flow means that there is a vascular structure feeding it - also a bit more concerning.  The fact that you've already had one type of cancer can make you more susceptible to others (or so I've been told by many of my doctors)

There are a few here who have been through both breast and thyroid cancer.  Both cancers are hormone fed (estrogen for breast and thyroid for thyroid cancer).  A followup with an endo is advised.

It doesn't sound like metastases since it seems to be in nodules (not spread from outside the thyroid).  As for the lymphoma - did they say anything about your lymph system on the US?  Thyroid cancer often spreads to the lymph system.

If it is (god forbid) thyroid cancer it is much easier to treat than breast cancer.  No chemo, no radiation - just surgery and radioactive iodine treatment (RAI we call it).  The good thing about thyroid tissue is it absorbs iodine so radiating iodine is a very, very effective way to kill off any remaining thyroid and any thyroid caner.

I know it's frightening but hang in there.  Many on this forum have had similar US results and had benign nodules.  My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03