I'm new to this site, so please bear with me. In 2000, at the age of 29, I was diagnosed with glandular cell dysplasia of the cervix. After multiple biopsies, LEEP, etc., the recommendation of the local tumor board was hysterectomy, as it was essentially at a stage "0". I had a LAVH that fall, with the ovaries left intact. Three months later, I also had a laser ablation of the vagina, as there were still some pesky cells hanging out. All has been well since then.
Then, in 2002, doctors found a golf-ball sized mass in the left lobe of my thyroid, 2 smaller in the left and gross lymphadenopathy in my upper chest and neck. Do not pass go, do not collect $200, straight to total thyroidectomy. Pathology showed no cancer, but an immunological response, chronic lymphycytic thyroiditis.
Fast forward to 2008, have been having problems with tachycardia and flushing among other problems. Hospitalized for heart rate hovering around 140 on meds. During the work up, found a "small" 1.5cm right adrenal mass. Labs show no increase in cortisol levels, but do show a high aldosterone:renin ratio (.63). On CT, there is a 1.5 cm right pelvic mass, maybe ovarian as well as smaller left ovarian cysts and a thickening of the hepatic flexure of the colon.
Now, doing saline suppression test, 24hr urine serotonin, repeat dexamethasone suppression test.
I have multiple issues. First, for years I've had trouble with the flushing and increased heart rate. Any semi-stressful situation causes my heart rate to jump and I get red, splotchy areas all over my torso, up my neck and onto my face. It will go away within 5-10 minutes usually. I also have been diagnosed with IBS, have trouble with both constipation and diarrhea. I have some episodes of the heart-rate and flushing subsequent to eating. My skin also will blanche then turn red if "scratched", I have epigastric pain (beneath the sternum/right ribs) constantly, even feels sore there. I do have bilateral lower extremity edema most of the time.
I know that some of these most recent symptoms and results point to a neuro-endocrine syndrome, pheochromocytoma or maybe just a an incidentaloma. We're working on it...
But, I am curious whether all of these things may be related? Is it possible that the glandular cell dysplasia for which I had the hysterectomy may be related to the thyroid issue as well as the rest of this?
Any input would be greatly appreciated. I am not a hypochondriac, but you know how the saying goes, "If you hear hoofbeats, you should think horses and not zebras"? Well, it seems that often I'm a zebra girl all the way...