Enlarged thyroid equals cancer???

Juliekaboolie · 02-24-2003, 02:07 PM

Ok guys... I need some reassurance here because my mom is kind of freaking me out (but what else is new??). My g'ma (who died in 1995) had a thyroid condition which eventually turned into cancer. She ignored all the signs and eventually died from multiple cancers other than her thyroid. I have been diagnosed as hypothyroid and having thyroiditis. I have a mildly enlarged thyroid gland which I perceive as a 'lump in the throat' feeling. I am currently taking 75mcg of Synthroid and the medication really seems to be helping me... I feel a lot more energetic. My mom said that my g'ma's thyroid cancer started in her 30's (I highly doubt this but whatever) and I'm about to turn 30 on Saturday. At first, I was blowing her off. My dr has not done a biopsy but I'm not really sure if there is a need. He has been practicing medicine since the early 70's and seems really up-to-date on his stuff. In fact, he was the one that said even tho my levels fall 'within normal' range, I was on the low side of normal and had all the symptoms and should be treated. I was wondering if any of you know what the statistics are for people with thyroid conditions eventually developing a cancer?? What are they symptoms?? I most probably do not have this but I sort of need some info and reassurance. I don't want to come across to my dr as a hypochondriac until we meet again at the end of March.

Thanks in advance!

CherylinOH · 02-24-2003, 11:09 PM

Hey Julie,
I just want to say that I have been there! But don't get too freaked out yet! When I was first Dx with PCOS & Hyperthyroid in '96, I was very scared. My DR was testing me for everything including Pituitary tumors and adrenal problem. So I know where you are coming from. Its not hard to let your mind wonder and your fear get the best of you! I almost though I had a brain tumor!
There are some excellent sites out there to give you all the information you could need on your thyroid problem, and I suggest you read up before your next doctor visit. Knowledge is power and it could lead you to some very insightful questions to ask your doctor.
Here are just a couple sites that will help you get started. The first one might relieve some of your worry, because it addresses some of the symptoms you fear. The second has many different sites to read. I hope that this helps you!
Take care,
Cheryl

http://familydoctor.org/handouts/548.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/thyroiddiseases.html

JessicaE · 02-25-2003, 02:08 PM

Julie,

From what I have read, a thyroid that is simply enlarged does not indicate cancer, and I don't think it increases your chances of future cancers, either. Take it from a woman who had a left thyroidectomy because of suspected cancer!

You've had your thyroid thoroughly checked out, and you're not ignoring any symptoms like your grandmother. Your doctor is on top of the condition and will be palpating (feeling) your thyroid regularly to check for any nodules.

If he does ever feel a nodule, they will do a thyroid uptake test (to see how your thyroid absorbs radioactive iodine). Based on those results, if it is a "cold" nodule, they'll do an u/s to see if it's a cyst. If it's not a cyst, they'll do a fine need biopsy. If the biopsy shows a malignancy or is inconclusive, as it was in my case, they would do surgery. And even then it's likely to be benign. So you see, you are many steps away from having to worry and wonder about cancer!

In your case, I suspect your thyroid enlargement is due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a perfectly benign condition. But definitely share your concerns and family history with your doctor next time you're there so he can order any additional testing that might be necessary. But truly, until then, I hope you'll rest easy.

Before my surgery, my surgeon told me, "Don't worry, there's only one kind of thyroid cancer that can kill you, and if you had that, you'd be dead already. The rest of them are very curable!" I found that oddly reassuring at the time--emphasis on ODDLY. Strange guy!

Please try not to let your mom worry you. I don't think she knows much about thyroid disease.

Juliekaboolie · 02-25-2003, 03:07 PM

Thanks Jessica. You are always so knowledgeable and reassuring to me.

My dr does know about my g'ma so I'm sure he's aware of it but I'm going to bring up my fear at the next exam so that he can reassure me. He's a great dr.

Thanks again.. I really appreciate it.

flashing · 02-27-2003, 05:33 PM

Please try not to worry. My thyroid was enlarged to the size of a large grapefruit and it was not cancer. I did have it removed because of other complications. I have taken synthroid for the last twenty years with no problems except when so $^$^*$%& doctor would reduce my meds.

It sounds like you have a good doctor and that he is concerned about you. Faith in your doctor is a very important thing. Just because Grandma had cancer does not mean that you do.

I will keep you in my prayers.

cdcm · 03-04-2003, 03:33 AM

Sounds like Hashimoto's... I have this too... (hashimoto's).

enlarged thyroid my whole life... finally dx'd at 30. I take 75mcg levoxyl, and 5 mcg cytomel... my thryoid has shrunk to a normal size.

Hashi's is when you're own body attacks your thyroid... the thyroid enlarges to fight back... and to produce more thyroid... think of it as an overworked muscle... it get's bigger when it's worked over and over... but eventually... it will fatigue and fail... the usage of thyroid treatment gives it a break... and MAY prevent total failure...

I would talk to your doc about testing to sooth your nerves... but your mother is wrong to automatically assume cancer... I understand that cancer... though it does occur is rare compared to all the other crazy things that your poor thyroid gland can go through...

Hang in there... this thyroid thing can be a drag... get informed... my favorite site is at about.com Check out their health and fitness and then thyroid... You will get TONS of info... and the people there have been through it all... Good luck...