Anyone else with thyroid cancer too?
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Mudd, sorry you are worried. It's hard not to think the worse after BC. Thyroid cancer can have a variety of symptoms and blood work would show if you are experiencing problems. If the doctor's tests and exam didn't show anything, you may want to try to see if the tight feeling could be relieved by exercise, chiropractor, massage, or time. Thyroid cancer is not a fast mover, so you have time at your advantage to see if you can get relief another way. Please let us know how you're doing. Take care. Ceanna
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Mudd: Just had my thyroid removed as very high risk for cancer. So I studied signs, symptoms, etc. My understanding is that by the time you experience physical symptoms, your dr should be able to feel a distinct nodule. So chances are overwhelming that this is not cancer. It very well could be anxiety. Ensure you get to the bottom of this so that your anxiety can be addressed.
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November 9, 2018
Genetic Test Helps Identify Benign vs Malignant Thyroid Nodules
HealthDay News — A multigene genomic classifier (GC) test for thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology shows high sensitivity and negative predictive value, according to a study published online Nov. 8 in JAMA Oncology.David L. Steward, MD, from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, and colleagues conducted a prospective study at 10 medical centers to determine the diagnostic accuracy of a GC test (ThyroSeq v3) for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. A total of 256 patients with 286 nodules met the eligibility criteria; central pathology review was performed on 274 nodules.
The researchers found that 72% of the 286 nodules were benign, 24% were malignant, and 4% were noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclei (NIFTP). Overall, 257 nodules (154 Bethesda III, 93 Bethesda IV, and 10 Bethesda V) had informative GC analysis; 61 and 39% were classified as negative and positive, respectively. The test demonstrated a 94% sensitivity and 82% specificity in Bethesda III and IV nodules. The negative predictive value was 97%, and the positive predictive value was 66% with a cancer/NIFTP prevalence of 28%. The 3% false-negative rate was comparable to that of benign cytology.
"Beyond simply differentiating benign and malignant nodules, the study shows that ThyroSeq also provides a detailed genetic profile of the positive nodules," Steward said in a statement. "ThyroSeq potentially allows physicians to employ a precision medicine approach, modifying treatment for each patient based on the mutations present."
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I just wanted to say Hello to everyone on these boards. I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer that had spread extensively to the lymph nodes in my neck at 25. I was just diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of weeks ago at 39. I had my my thyroid removed in the first surgery, followed by radioactive iodine treatment, followed by a second surgery to clean out the lymph nodes on the left side of my neck. I'm happy to answer any questions anyone has about the treatment and follow-up if it is useful. It really seems like a breeze compared to BC so far. Good luck to everyone dealing with both diagnoses.
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Hello All,
I wanted circle back and let you know that my Tirads 5 thyroid nodule turned out to be benign. Many thanks to all who responded to my post...you really comforted me through the wait for my results. My endocrinologist thinks that I have hyperparathyroidism and as such I will soon have a nuclear scan to check to see which of my four parathyroid glands are acting up. More to come...
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Hi Eillientta, welcome to this thread. Sorry you had to go through all this also. Sorry the BC treatment is difficult. We can get through both diagnoses!
Rondeezee, thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear the thyroid nodule is benign. I'm glad you're following up on the parathyroidism problems. For years after having my thyroid cancer surgery, I was told I had a thyroid nodule, had repeated scans and tests which didn't show what they expected, but it ultimately turned out to be a parathyroid adenoma, which I finally had removed last summer. Solved my high blood calcium level immediately.
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I have yet to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer but have multiple nodules and have had multiple biopsies.
I didn't even now I had nodules tell I had a PET scan 4 years ago and the nodules have been slowly growing ever since. In the last 6 months, 3 of which included chemo my largest nodule has grown another .7cm. So once again I will be going in for a biopsy. At some point they will probably have to take out the nodule as it is now 3.6cm. I am now seeing a new endocrinologist to see what their thoughts are as my doctor doesn't know why it is is growing and is pretty confident it is still benign.
Rondeezee glad your biopsy came back benign. Hope you can get some answers from your future tests.
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Hi. I hoped I wouldn't have to come back but I am glad this community is here and it's really the first place I went. Diagnosed with ER/PR+, HER2- 7/16. 6mm nodule. Didn't need chemo or radiation. Diagnosed with thyroid cancer yesterday. I had a neck mass and nodules on my thyroid. (Not related) Initial FNA biopsy was negative for cancer. I'm not a wait and see person so I opted to have half the thyroid removed. Surgery was Tuesday. Mass was benign. Nodules positive for cancer. I can't believe I am typing I have cancer again. My plan is to have surgery to remove other side of the thyroid removed regardless of anything found or not found.
Anyone who has had both asked if there is a link between the 2?
What questions should I be asking? I know there is no chemo with my type of thyroid cancer.
Really I need a virtual hug.
I couldn't do this before without the support of this community and I know I won't be able to again.
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TeleMiriam. (((((Hugs))))) to you during this trying time. I had both, but thyroid cancer before BC. Doctors tell me there is no connection, but I tend to believe they just haven't found the connection yet. You might want to write down your questions. I hope you have a doctor/surgeon who has good bedside manner and addresses your concerns. I also, later, had what they thought was a thyroid nodule, but turned out to be a parathyroid adenoma (non-cancerous) which had messed with my blood calcium levels. Your four parathyroids are behind your thyroid, so you may want to ask questions about preserving them during the thyroid surgery. If you have any questions, I'd be glad to try to answer. All the best. Ceanna
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TeleMiriam: So sorry this is happening. I just had a complete thyroidectomy on Feb. 26. Two specialists were convinced I had thyroid cancer and then results were benign. I was completely prepared for a second round of cancer. Questions I had ready for myself included whether or not radioactive iodine treatment would be necessary. I already had radiation for breast cancer so really wanted to avoid any more. I see you didn't, so that is good. Do you know whether the cancer has gone into any lymph nodes? Thyroid cancer, even very progressed cancer, is still highly curable, unlike breast cancer. Just hearing the word cancer again is awful, but I believe you will find this a much less challenging situation. Another surgery is never fun. But that may very well be the end of it. These two cancers are very common in women. Whether or not there is any connection other than our gender is still being debated. Stay here for any support you may need. (((((Hugs))))))
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Thank you Ceanna for the virtual hugs and information....I have surgery scheduled for 6/4 to remove the other half. The ultrasound to look at the other half and lymph nodes is a few days before. I don't care if a nodule looks benign. I don't do wait and see.
I learned last week I am Vitamin D deficient. My number is 12. Normal is 30. Also, as expected my TSH is high. Just more pills.
How are you screened post surgery? Ultrasounds?
Also, did you need the radioactive iodine treatment?
Thanks for being there. The support means everything.
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Thank you for the support @TB90. I feel like I breathe better when read the messages and I know there is someone out there who understands. I don't know if it's the lymph nodes. That scan is in a couple weeks. (I had four ultrasounds before surgery and no one checked which makes me angry like WTF were the techs doing)
The radioactive treatment is question I have if it's in my lymph nodes.
Surgery to remove the other half is 6/4.
Thankfully work is understanding and I think it will be busy over the next 2 weeks which is what I need,
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TeleMiriam, Yes, I had radiative iodine after the thyroid surgery, but several tests/ultrasounds, and specialized tests failed to show parathyroid adenoma. My blood calcium levels and TSH were the signs and what they had called a thyroid nodule was indeed an adenoma when they went in for surgery. Be persistent and watch your blood calcium, TSH, and Vit D. levels. For Vit. D, 30 is the barest minimum you should have and ideally should be over 50.
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@ceanna - just had blood test for TSH and Vit D. As expected TSH is high so I started synthroid. My Vit D is 12. So I'm taking Vit D now. Calcium level is good.
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teleMiriam, Hope the synthroid and Vit. D will take effect soon. 12 is way too low!!! Vit. D does take a few weeks or more to show any improvement. Glad calcium level is good, but do have retesting periodically--mine varied for years before they discovered the adenoma. All the best for your upcoming surgery. Please let us know how you're doing after. Ceanna
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I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer and had a complete thyroidectomy on 3/20/19. Out of an abundance of caution, my ENT surgeon also removed the 3 central lymph nodes in my neck.
Good news: The pathologist did not find papillary thyroid cancer in the central lymph nodes. Bad news: instead they found de novo metastatic breast cancer. Surprise!
After months of diagnostic testing, there is no evidence of a primary breast cancer or other breast metastasis.
So, I am starting this week on an Anamatse Inhibitor (Anastrozole), which I am told by my new MO that I will be on for the rest of my life, and am scheduled for RAI on June 19 to zap any remaining thyroid tissue.
Note: I did have Hasimoto's thyroiditis and goiter for some 12 years prior to the papillary thyroid diagnosis.
GlobalGal
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Ugh. I had testing done on a lump in my neck about 15 years ago... at the time, I was a junior in college! I don't remember what scan I had (I was in a tube, that's all I remember) and the doctor said it was a goiter and nothing that needed surgery unless I cosmetically wished to remove it.
Fast forward to 15 years later, I was diagnosed with BC and the goiter I've had for AGES (and has not caused me any issues or had any changes to it) is causing me so much stress.
I had a thyroid ultrasound a few days ago and now I'm waiting for the call back to determine what to do! I'm stressing about this SO MUCH and I'm so anxious about a secondary diagnosis.
I'm hoping that the results 15 years ago are still valid today and it isn't anything to worry about, but now my mind has gone so many places...
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vmb, sorry you have to wait for test results. Never an easy time! Hoping you hear on the results soon and they tell you there's nothing to worry about. Let us know how you're doing and please ask any questions you have concern about. Ceanna
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thanks so much. I got the US results back and they are recommending an FNA. It scored a TR 4at 3.8cm. I pray that it is nothing, but I start chemo this week and dealing with this on top of breast cancer is seriously a lot for me to emotionally and mentally handle right now.
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vmb, I'm sorry you have to have another test, and wait some more! If it should prove to be something with your thyroid, in a vast majority of cases it is not an urgent matter. You have enough to deal with chemo start. Focus on that if you can, and keep following up on the thyroid issue. Thinking of you and hoping for the best. Please update us when you can. Blessings. Ceanna
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Can anyone tell me anything about my US results, those who were diagnosed and those who's lesion ended up being benign? I am hoping this is benign as I had it tested via a scan 15 years ago and they said it was a goiter. Now I'm worried they were wrong.
RIGHT:
* Nodule Number 1: There is a 3.8 x 1.6 x 3.1 cm nodule taking up most of the mid,lower lobe. Composition: almost completely solid, with some cystic components (2). Echogenicity: Isoechoic (1). Shape: Wider than tall (0). Margins: Smooth (0). Echogenic foci: Punctate echogenic foci and macrocalcifications (3). TR 4 (4-6 points)Neck: No abnormal lymph nodes in the right or left neck (levels III and IV).
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Can anyone tell me anything about my US results, those who were diagnosed and those who's lesion ended up being benign? I am hoping this is benign as I had it tested via a scan 15 years ago and they said it was a goiter. Now I'm worried they were wrong.
RIGHT:
* Nodule Number 1: There is a 3.8 x 1.6 x 3.1 cm nodule taking up most of the mid,lower lobe. Composition: almost completely solid, with some cystic components (2). Echogenicity: Isoechoic (1). Shape: Wider than tall (0). Margins: Smooth (0). Echogenic foci: Punctate echogenic foci and macrocalcifications (3). TR 4 (4-6 points)Neck: No abnormal lymph nodes in the right or left neck (levels III and IV).
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I was just dx with Pappilary Thyroid Cancer yesterday after a FNA Biopsy.
This year has been rough... BC, then Multiple Sclerosis, and now, yay more dxs. *eye roll*
Biopsy substantiates my previous historical clinical dx (for past 8 years) of Hashimoto's Disease, along with the newly dxd Papillary Thyroid Cancer.
I'm just crossing my fingers that when I have my thyroidectomy that the pathology comes back ONLY thyroid cancer, without any signs of BC METs. It's rare, but it does happen. There's a huge fear too that it may be Lymphoma, sipmly because my brother died from it and well, with my luck, one of those two rarities sounds like my kind of luck.
I meet with my Thyroid Surgeon on Nov 11 to go over the Preop Plan.
Will be following this thread going forward.
Best of luck to all the fellow BC & TC warriors.
****My nodule (Right Lobe) was found in 07/2019 via US. Measured 7 x 8 x 6 mm. Solid. Hypoechoic. Smooth margins. No growth in 2 months. Labs were all "in range" regarding my TSH, Calcitonin, CEA, etc. If not high risk [due to my family history (3 siblings with TC and my own hx of BC and RADs)] they would have just made me wait for 6 more months without a FNA and just monitor. So thankful I told them I was not feeling well, and continued to pursue and be my own advocate.****
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vmb, I'm sorry, but I'm not clear how to interpret your US results. I hope you are able to discuss it with your doctors very soon. I'm glad you are following up on this, and I hope for the best of outcomes.
spoonie, welcome, but sorry there's a reason to be here. I'm glad you were persistent and got it identified and will take care of it instead of forced to wait. Fortunately, thyroid cancer is usually slow growing and one with the best outcomes. Please keep us updated and ask any questions you might have about a thyroidectomy. I had a complete thyroidectomy, but it's been almost 10 years ago, so things may have changed. I would suggest you find a thyroid surgeon and not rely on someone who does few thyroid surgeries. There are lots of nerves in the area of surgery, and I've had problems with a vocal cord since my surgery which was done by an ENT. All the best as you move forward. Ceanna
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vmb hoping only the best for you.
spoonie so sorry for the new diagnosis. After 5 years and three negative fine needle biopsys i finally got a new doctor who said i should remove it since it started growing at a faster rate. 10 months after my last negative biopsy a 1.1 cm tumor was removed with multiple micro spots. Thankful lymph nodes were negative. Wishing you the best.
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RRShannon - I'm so glad for you that they finally took it out and that your LNs were clear! Can I ask, did they find your BC before the Thyroid was removed? Or after? If BC before Thyroid, did they ever order a PET Scan at all?
Ceanna - Thank you for the advice. I hadn't really sat and thought about the area they will be mucking around in and your'e quite right, so many nerves and important areas to be ware of. Thankfully, but unfortunately as well, both my brother and my sister have had a thyroidectomy, so I have great sources to lean on for support during the upcoming recovering, etc. Thankfully my surgeon that I've been referred to was in the top 10 thyroid surgeons in my state last year.
For anyone else that has had BC and then been dxd with Thyroid Cancer, did your team then do a PET Scan or any special scans to determine if there might be further cancer (of any kind) anywhere else in your body? I'm a bit anxious and having a hard time swallowing the idea that a PET scan after the discovery of a 2nd cancer is not protocol. It just seems illogical.
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Just a good article I found while googling this afternoon:
It outline the various risk factors, stratifications, clinical research, etc regarding the known fact that women with BC are at an increased risk for Thyroid Cancer and vice versa women with Thyroid Cancer are at an increased risk for BC.
The Breast-Thyroid Cancer Link: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
"Women with a prior history of differentiated thyroid cancer are at an increased risk for breast cancer. Furthermore, women with a history of breast cancer are at an increased risk for differentiated thyroid cancer. Despite sometimes conflicting results as to the magnitude and significance of this risk, the above meta-analysis demonstrates a clear association and increase in co-occurrence of these two malignancies. Although further studies are needed, clinicians should consider the increase in risk for second primary cancers when caring for these individuals."
"While further work is needed to correlate thyroid cancer rates and breast cancer hormone receptor status, clinicians should counsel their patients on the increased risk of thyroid cancers among breast cancer survivors."0 -
spoonie, thanks for the article. Sounds really interesting and I'd like to read the whole article. Could you post a link? Thanks.
I had thyroid cancer years before BC, but the doctors I've asked have always said there is no link.
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I totally meant too, thanks for letting me know I missed it, Ceanna.
Link should be there now.
Here too..
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Spoonie77 I have had breast cancer 16 years ago, then again a year ago. The Thyroid growth showed up on a PET scan 5 years ago and over the years I had three negative needle biopsies. The thyroid cancer was finally diagnosed after removing the thyroid because it continued to growth a a quicker rate.
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