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PrintMedical Reports: Life-Saving Lesson
Posted: 05/04/12
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Producer:
Janna Owen
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We all know that once we get to a certain age, we're supposed to get checked for breast and colon cancer regularly. But one doctor says we should also be getting screened for another type of cancer. 7's Alexis Rivera brings us one woman's Life-saving Lesson.
WSVN -- A few years ago Sharon Vinegrad didn't feel like herself.
Sharon Veingrad: "I had chronic laryngitis, and I just wasn't feeling right. I didn't have the energy to do what I normally do."
She went to several doctors but they just chalked it up to stress.
Sharon Veingrad: "I was feeling frustrated because I knew something was wrong and no one could pinpoint it."
Then finally during a routine checkup a doctor found a lump in her neck.
Sharon Veingrad: "The fact that it came back as cancer. I was totally beside myself."
Sharon was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
Dr. David Bimston: "Thyroid cancer is prevalent in the United States, predicted to be 50,000 new cases a year."
Dr. David Bimston says up to 70-percent of women in the U.S. have thyroid lumps, some cancerous some not. Thyroid cancer can run in families but because there may be no symptoms. Doctors say people should be screened every year.
Dr. David Bimston: "Everyone gets a colonoscopy when you turn 50 whether you have a family history of colon cancer or not."
By the time Sharon's cancer was found it, had spread to her lymph nodes. She had surgery to remove her thyroid gland and underwent aggressive radiation treatment but there's good news for her.
Dr. David Bimston: "Thyroid cancer is probably the most curable cancer other than some minor skin cancers."
Sharon is now on the mends.
Sharon Veingrad: "I am finally able to taste my food, and everything tastes normal, which I'm happy to say."
Sharon gets checked every six months and feels great she says her story is a life-saving lesson for everyone.
Sharon Veingrad: "I am living proof that if you don't feel right, you need to take a proactive approach and really take care of it."
Alexis Rivera: "Thyroid cancer can strike men or women at any age do it's important to ask your doctor to screen you at your next exam."
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Center for Integrative Endocrine Surgery:
Dr. David Bimston
Tel: (954) 265-0000
www.memorialendocrinesurgery.com
Sharon Veingrad: "I had chronic laryngitis, and I just wasn't feeling right. I didn't have the energy to do what I normally do."
She went to several doctors but they just chalked it up to stress.
Sharon Veingrad: "I was feeling frustrated because I knew something was wrong and no one could pinpoint it."
Then finally during a routine checkup a doctor found a lump in her neck.
Sharon Veingrad: "The fact that it came back as cancer. I was totally beside myself."
Sharon was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
Dr. David Bimston: "Thyroid cancer is prevalent in the United States, predicted to be 50,000 new cases a year."
Dr. David Bimston says up to 70-percent of women in the U.S. have thyroid lumps, some cancerous some not. Thyroid cancer can run in families but because there may be no symptoms. Doctors say people should be screened every year.
Dr. David Bimston: "Everyone gets a colonoscopy when you turn 50 whether you have a family history of colon cancer or not."
By the time Sharon's cancer was found it, had spread to her lymph nodes. She had surgery to remove her thyroid gland and underwent aggressive radiation treatment but there's good news for her.
Dr. David Bimston: "Thyroid cancer is probably the most curable cancer other than some minor skin cancers."
Sharon is now on the mends.
Sharon Veingrad: "I am finally able to taste my food, and everything tastes normal, which I'm happy to say."
Sharon gets checked every six months and feels great she says her story is a life-saving lesson for everyone.
Sharon Veingrad: "I am living proof that if you don't feel right, you need to take a proactive approach and really take care of it."
Alexis Rivera: "Thyroid cancer can strike men or women at any age do it's important to ask your doctor to screen you at your next exam."
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Center for Integrative Endocrine Surgery:
Dr. David Bimston
Tel: (954) 265-0000
www.memorialendocrinesurgery.com