Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 11/2/2010

Question
I recently found a lump in my left breast, I have been set up with a
mammogram and general surgery consult. The reason I am concerned is (not
only the breast lump) they recently found a nodule on my thyroid and my
thyroid blood work came back abnormal. I used to be very active and now I
am just constantly tired, I don't eat as much, I come home everyday and take
a long nap because I just can't keep my eyes open. I'm 26 years old and have
never felt this crappy in my life. I'm just wondering if I should be more
worried because they are testing me for thyroid cancer as well.

Answer
At your age breast cancer is very rare - but not impossible. So a non malignant breast lesion is far more likely. But to be SURE of what it is  mammography, ultrasound scans, MRI scans and at least a needle biopsy of your breast lesion should be done. Your thyroid lesion is not uncommon at your age but it is still likely that it is not a cancer. If your blood tests were bad and you feel bad it is quite likely that you have some thyroid illness (other than cancer). Even so both an ultrasound scan and an isotope scan of your thyroid should be done as well as a iodine 131 uptake and secretion test AND a needle biopsy of your thyroid lesion. Based on the results of those tests and your blood tests it should be decided what to do - if anything. Please do keep me posted!



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