Thyroid and Breast Cancer

[thyroidbride]

Hi Dr.,
I am a 30 yr old female, and last week I was diagnosed with papillary cancer.  My general Dr. found the tumor (1.8cm) by feeling it on my thyroid, and a FNA said it was papillary cancer.  Now I am waiting for a total thyrodectomy.  I went to one surgeon who wanted to investigate my lymph nodes, and possibly biopsy them before the surgery, and possibly do a neck dissection.  I am hesitant to do this because of increased chances of complications.  Another surgeon I went to said he would not go into the neck dissection, b/c none of my lymph nodes appear affected on ultrasound.  My question is, if they leave my lymph nodes alone now, how will they know if there is cancer in them and will they need to betaken out latter?
My second question is related to possible spread of the cancer.  At the same Dr. visit when the lump on my thyroid was found, my Dr. told me that Ihad several lumps in my breasts.  He said he wasn't concerned about them b/c there is no history of breast cancer in my family.  However, in light of the fact that we now know that I have thyroid cancer, is this something that I should be concerned about and investigate further?
Thanks for any advice.
Irene

[stella5349]

I am fairly new to this - but I can say go with your gut - I believe a mamogram is needed. I recieved very poor care for almost 6years with my thyroid treatment and was hyper had RAI - then hypo . Recently I found another MD that saved me from a situation with Synthyroid - after my meds were controlled -  the symptom I had for so long was still present. I felt for the last 4 years a strangling sensation in my neck. I found this forum and stared asking what to do - Many suggested getting an Ultra Sound. SOme here were shocked I never had one since RAI 5 years ago. I requested one and 2 days later I was getting it. A nodule has been found and Monday I am going to have FNA - The reason I say go with your gut is b/c my new MD (whom has helped me alot with thyroid meds) was not concerned about finding this nodule either. My gut won't let that thought go - so I am finding out after the FNA - if he was right. I still have that choking feeling and ironically the 1cc nodule is on my left lower lobe near my esphogus.

Get the mamogram for the peace of mind - if you are anything like me - you won't rest until you know.

[stella5349]

I am concerned also about your comment regarding the lymph nodes _ I have been told both medically and here - that most of the time when a surgeon is doing a TT - they really do not know what is al going on until they are in there - so if any lymph nodes are infected - that is a hard call prior to surgery anyway for any doctor.

Some others may clarify this better here.

[utahmomma]

papillary carcinoma spreads through microcancers.  You often can't see the spread of papillary carcinoma with the naked eye.  Biopsying the lymph nodes (if there is nothing on the ultrasound to show tumors in them) would be practically useless.  Often when cancer is known or discovered in the OR the sentinel lymph nodes will be removed checked for spread.  If your papillary carcinoma is large enough or is found in the nodes then RAI will usually be ordered which will kill off any remaining cancer (even those too small to see).

As for the lumps on your breast.  Get a mammogram ASAP!  Whether or not you have a family history of cancer doesn't mean anything  (trust me, there was no family history of thyroid cancer before I was diagnosed either).

My youngest sister's thyroid cancer had spread into her breasts.  Both thyroid and breast cancers are hormone driven cancers.  Get the mammogram.

Please keep us posted.

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03 - recurrence and RAI '06
three sisters with papillary carcinoma; another with "precancer", daughter with "precancer"

[thyroidbride]

Thanks for replying.  Does anyone know if I have to have my Dr. order a mammogram, or can I schedule one on my own?

[utahmomma]

Usually you have to have a doctor order it but any doctor can (PCP, OB/GYN, etc.)

[thyroidbride]

hi,
this was an old post, but I wanted to report that I did have a mammogram last week, and the lumps are just areas of very dense breast tissue.  finally, some good news!

however, my surgeon did tell me that there is some link between women who have thyroid problems also having breast problems (but not cancer).  so I guess its something  to be aware of.

[dscoochie]

Yes, I have very lumpy breasts, and I'm told they are very dense.  I have had so many mammograms, breast ultrasounds, even breast biopsies.  All come back negative.

So although its always best to be aware of your breasts and any changes, dont worry, most breast lumps are just that, lumps.

Good luck with your TT.  We will be thinking about you!

[thyroidbride]

thanks . . .actually I had my TT three weeks ago, and it went really well!  I just wrote something in your other thread.