Unexpected cysts

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I was told this afternoon that the CT scan I had a few days ago (needed before I start radiotherapy for breast cancer) 'clipped' a picture of part of my kidneys and liver which both show what they think are cysts.

I now have to wait until the MDT this Friday (on the same day I start radiotherapy) to find out what they intend to do to see if they are cysts or not. They say I will probably have an ultrasound or adopt a wait and see approach with the GP.

I am so scared that my breast cancer has spread to my liver and kidneys. My lymph nodes were clear after my recent lumpectomy but seeing that my breast cancer came out of nowhere I am scared that the cysts will turn out to be cancerous too.

Both my father and youngest brother have had kidney cancer - my father died from it and my brother has just finished cancer treatment for it.

Can you advise please - does breast cancer (her 2 +ve) tend to spread to the liver and kidneys so quickly? I was diagnosed in November 23 and have had chemotherapy, lumpectomy and soon to have radiation.

Thanks

Linda - Macmillan 22 days ago

Hi Blueskythinking

Thank you for getting in touch. My name is Linda and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

It’s not unusual for incidental findings like cysts to crop up on scans. This is normal but, understandably also worrying with your situation and family history.

Friday sounds as if it will be quite a day for you.

In answer to your questions about whether HER-2 positive cancers can spread to the liver quickly, HER-2 positive cancers tend to spread faster than other breast cancers but they are much more likely to respond to treatment with drugs that specifically target HER-2 receptors.

But it’s important to bear in mind that cysts are common, and the team wouldn’t suggest this if they had concerns that they are more significant or suspicious.

Some cysts may need further investigations and monitoring and may never cause any problems. But waiting to find out what your specialist team advise can be a stressful time and it might feel as if Friday seems a long way off.

If you can, it’s best to try and go about day-to-day business as much as possible. If you have a breast care nurse or clinical nurse specialist it is worth keeping in touch with them for support. It may also be helpful to speak with your GP.

In the meantime Patient info have this guide to help reduce worry when waiting for results.

I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

Best wishes,

Linda, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Ref LM/LJ

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Unexpected cysts