annelisow
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Posts:2
Hello,
I was diagnosed with NET cancer n 2012. After 7 cycles of Chemo, I had surgery and radiation. I've had no evidence of recurrence since July 2012. My Chromograndin levels have been normal. I just found out that my TSH is high and have been started on Synthroid. My question is -My dx was Neuroendocrine carcinoma, high grade, poorly differentiated, could these levels indicate a return of NET (since both Pituitary and throid are endocrine glands)? Am I just being paranoid? thanks for your time. Anne L.
Forums
Reply # - May 19, 2014, 06:30 AM
Reply To: NET cancer
Hi Anne,
It's good to hear that your treatments went so well, with no evidence of recurrence. In response to a similar inquiry about TSH, Dr. West recently stated:
"I know of no association of TSH levels with recurrence rates from cancer and would not suspect a correlation." - http://cancergrace.org/topic/does-a-high-tsh-test-result-possibly-indic…
Although there is no evidence regarding recurrence, Dr. West discussed the emerging knowledge about the connection between thyroid hormone (TH) and lung cancer here: http://cancergrace.org/cancer-101/2009/09/01/thyroid-function-and-cance…
One of the points he makes is that an excess of TH seems to result in worse outcomes for cancer patients. For his patients who need to be given TH, he seeks to maintain a TSH level in the 5-10 range, and he notes that some doctors seek even higher levels.
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - May 19, 2014, 05:54 PM
Reply To: NET cancer
I think the best quick summary I can offer is that thyroid problems are common, and I know of no reason that this would be related to lung cancer. I actually have my patients' thyroid function manageed by their endocrinologist or general medicine doctor and don't make specific recommendations on ho to do that.
Good luck.
-Dr. West