Thyroid Cancer
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Many have stated that there may be a link between thyroid cancer and breast cancer. Best wishes with your surgery.
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I had a PET scan during chemo and my thyroid nodule was discovered then. It turned out to be papillary thyroid cancer. My MO and endocrinologist say they are not related. But I've seen a few people in these forums with both too, so who knows?
I had a total thyroidectomy followed by RAI treatment. Good luck to you on your surgery tomorrow.
PB
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My thyroid also popped up on the PET scan. The biopsy on the nodules came back atypical. The parathyroid gland is causing elevated calcium levels , so my endocrinologist is having my thyroid and parathyroid removed when I have my mastectomy.
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Hi
I had bc in 2008 and in 2014 a nodule was found on my thyroid-turned out to be papillary-- pretty low level- none of my team thought the two were related.... I always wonder if it is from radiation from mammograms.... they also found a lung nodule that we followed for a year-then it disappeared!!! the surgery is pretty easy- take the time if you can for the recovery-I am about 16 months out, can barely see the scar (but I did get some nice scarfs and necklaces as gifts!!).
good luck.
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As others here have said here- there are reports of an association between breast cancer and thyroid cancer in the literature. Just a random sampling of more recent reports below:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26058757
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26442580
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25826596
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Which came first--the chicken or the egg? Wondering if the metabolic impairment caused by thyroid cancer might increase body fat, which in turn raises estrogen production--increasing bc risk.
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I had my thyroid cancer in 2006. Then BC in 2010. Dr's said coincidence.
However when I talk to other BC folks they start bringing up their thyroid cancer. I personally think it's related.
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I too have multiple primary cancers-synchronous bilateral breast cancer along with papillary thyroid cancer which has metastasized to cervical (neck) lymph nodes. I started naming all of my tumors but I got behind
Skittlegirl, I'm having a bilateral partial mastectomy and I was told that having the thyroid removed at the same time would be far too much surgery, too long under anesthesia, and to radical a change to the body at once. Is your doctor talking about doing it all the same day or just sitting down to plan it altogether?
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At the same time. The ENT surgeon left the call to do them back to back up to my breast surgeon. My breast surgeon said it would be fine. I am not having any reconstruction done at this time.
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I think it's very possible there is a metabolic connection between thyroid, fat/estrogen and breast cancer. I have hypothyroid
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I had breast and thyroid cancer as well. They found my thyroid cancer on a PET scan during my breast screening. I think at some point they will find a way to prove they are related, but they don't seem to have quite been able to do it yet.
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My stage 3 papillary thyroid cancer was found during a PET scan, while screening for the breast cancer. BC surgery was put on hold until I had a total thyroidectomy with extended central neck dissection. It was a four hour surgery and I was scheduled for BC surgery two days later, but the breast surgeon wanted to hold off for awhile and give me a chance to heal. I was thankful for that! It's amazing how many women on the thyroid discussion boards also say that they have had BC, as well.
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My pathology came back clear for my thyroid that was removed during my BMX. Yay for no cancer!
Each part of the surgery was supposed to last 2 hours. I ended up being out for 7 hours. Recovery is going okay.
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Skittlegirl: that is wonderful news! Hope you have a quick recovery and take care of yourself and rest. You have been through a lot
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I've been wondering about this myself. I have a family history of cancer, including my my mother dying from thyroid or lung cancer that metastasized to her brain and spine. I don't think even the Drs knew which cancers were primary and which were secondary. (long story)
I has a full panel of genetic testing after my BC diagnosis. That all came back good, which I'm happy about, but it doesn't negate the family history. I had one PCP (who has since moved away) suggest I get thyroid US as screening because of my mom, and this was before my own BC diagnosis. Thoughts anyone?
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I think a thyroid US would be a good idea and would help with your piece of mind, particularly since there is a family history of it.
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jenn, that seems like a good idea to have the ultrasound. 2 years after BC diagnosis, nodules were discovered on my thyroid during an MRI for neck problems. Endo has been ultrasounding every 6 months. 2 are stable, 1 keeps growing. Just had biopsy and waiting for results.
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glennie19...I was wondering if you found out the results of your biopsy?
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hi, biscuits, thanks for asking. She had difficulty getting a good sample of cells, but the report said that it was adequate, and there were no malignant cells found. Although some are "changing" which is a little worrying. I'll continue to have ultrasounds every 6 months and keep monitoring.
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I had follicular thyroid cancer in 1996 and diagnosed stage 4 BC in Decmeber 2015. There is a PTEN gene that suggests women who have thyroid cancer at early age are at increased risk for BC. I was tested for it and don't have it
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I have a slightly different situation - I have Thyroid nodules and have for years. They have not changed or grown in at least 10 years. Had a full Pet Scan - no sign of Thyroid cancer. But I have no family history of breast cancer. If there is a correlation, I wonder if it could work this way as well?
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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? I read the literature and studies from a few years ago.
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 sorry to hear about your new diagnosis. How has the recovery been from your surgery? I to have has multiple negative biopsies my thyroid my largest is now 3.6 cm. My new endocrinologist wants it out sooner than later unlike by previous endocrinologist. Having another breast surgery next month and still need to schedule the thyroid surgery. Hope you are recovering well.
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Hi. Recovery from surgery has been pretty easy. I don't know if it really is but it's my 7th surgery and compared to the others (back, knee reconstruction, sinus, breast x2) this one wasn't too bad. I have another surgery 6/4 to remove the other half of the thyroid.
Good luck with your upcoming surgery.
The advice I need to listen to is to take one day at a time.0 -
TeleMiriam glad the recovery is easy for you. I have had 7 surgeries as well. Hoping for another easy one with the thyriod. I am having a consult with a surgeon this week. Good luck on your surgey next month.
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@rrshannon You too!
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Synchronous Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Metastatic Breast Cancer found in Thyroid Central Lymph Nodes
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 started 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. I also had 12 years of normal mammograms.
GlobalGal
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GlobalGal: I am so sorry for your dx. I had a complete thyroidectomy in Feb as two specialists were convinced I had cancer. So I researched the topic thoroughly. I can say I never came across a situation like yours. Did you have symptoms? So glad it is only in one location. I hope the treatment is easy and very effective! Your dx makes me more convinced between the connection between theses two cancers. Take care.
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Dear TB90,
For a while, I felt like a cancer unicorn because I could not find any other cases like mine: metastatic breast cancer in the neck's central lymph nodes ,with no primary cancer identified and no other breast cancer mets.
I think I just found my small herd!
This article is entitled:
The Great Mimicker: Metastatic Breast Carcinoma to the Head and Neck with Emphasis on Unusual Clinical and Pathologic Features
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC55503...
"Although distant metastases are relatively common in breast cancer, spread to the head and neck region is uncommon and can be diagnostically challenging.
Since metastases to the head and neck are uncommon to begin with, breast carcinoma metastases are still relatively rare in clinical practice. This series identified 25 patients.
Many head and neck pathologists, particularly at academic institutions or in very large practice groups, may have seen little breast pathology in training or in clinical practice, yet are expected to recognize it when it presents in the head and neck region. Head and neck pathologists must be familiar with the clinical history and must be keenly aware of the possible disease patterns and presentations when confronted with carcinomas of the head and neck in female patients.
Furthermore, the interval between diagnosis and metastasis can be extremely long (average 9 years, maximum 33 years). When faced with unusual adenocarcinomas in the head and neck region, clinicians and pathologists must be keenly aware of the spectrum of findings that can be seen with metastases from breast carcinoma, so that these patients can be correctly diagnosed and treated."
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GlobalGal: So relieved for you to discover other supporting documentation similar to your situation. It never feels good to feel alone. If you wish to share your unique situation here, we will be here to learn from you and to support you. All the best. ((((Hugs)))))
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