Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 9/2/2008

Question
Dear Dr. Nordquist,
I had bilateral invasive lobular breast cancer two years ago treated with bilateral mastectomy and toremifene therapy. Lymph nodes were negative. Recently I have experienced several unusual lumps on my neck. The first was surgically biopsied as pseudolymphoma or benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Does this hyperplasia pose any increase in cancer recurrence? I had breast atypical hypwerplasia prior to my cancer diagnosis.
I have also developed new nodules on my thyroid gland. I do have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The biopsy is scheduled. Do thyroid nodules have any relationship to breast cancer recurrence or a new cancer possibility? Thank you so much for your time and expertise.
Elizabeth

Answer
A benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia is not connected with your breastcancer and is not considered to be connected with any lymphoma tendency. But should more enlarged lymph nodes appear you should have them checked by biopsies (easiest & simplest - and quickest - for you as needle biopsies). A Hashimoto thyroiditis is not connected with breast cancer either and may result in thyroid nodules. But nodules there should also be biopsy checked. Needle biopsies are useful there too. Hashimoto is not connected with thyroid cancer but coincidences do happen sometimes. Good luck!