Confused - diagnosed with two different cancers. Is it normal for the teams not to communicate with each other about my treatment?

I have papillary thyroid cancer T3a, diagnosed in February and melanoma 1a, diagnosed last week. 

I have only seen ENT consultant and from skin department haven't seen anyone a part from day surgery staff who did the first wide local excision.  

Is it normal that I have not seen anyone from ongology team and that thyroid and melanoma specialists don't seem to communicate or plan my care at all? When I spoke with skin cancer nurse on a phone after getting my result, she was not even aware of my thyroid cancer and she had been in a meeting planning the skin treatment.  

It's frustrating that one team is treating one problem and other team the other one and no one is thinking that these issues are on same person and they don't talk to each other and I don't know what's meant to be happening and when. 

Can I ask to see an oncologist? I asked if I could get PET scan, but they are both departments just thinking that there is no suspected metastasis,  so no need. But I suddenly have 2 cancers, no family history of cancer.  Makes me worried if I have more lurking somewhere.... 

  • Hi there and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your diagnoses and can appreciate what a confusing and unsettling time this must be for you.

    Unfortunately it can be a challenge being under different hospital departments with the communication not always as seemless as you would hope it to be.

    You are right in saying the dermatology department is dealing with the Melanoma and the ENT department with the thyroid cancer however they will contact one another as and when necessary.

    Oncologists are specialist doctors who treat cancers. There are 3 types including surgical oncologists who perform surgery to remove tumours, medical oncologists who treat cancers with chemotherapy, hormonal and targeted/immunotherapy type treatments, and radiation oncologists who use radiotherapy to treat cancer.

    You will see the specialist doctors you need to for your given cancers and treatment plan. Patients are usually discussed within a MDT (multi disciplinary team) to talk through the treatment options for each patient.

    As both your thyroid cancer and melanoma have been assessed as contained and at an earlier stage there isn't a reason for a body scan. I am sure if the doctors had any suspicions over this they would be arranging a scan for you.

    Most cancers are sporadic meaning they occur over someone's lifetime but I'm afraid sometimes people can be diagnosed with more than 1 type of cancer but it doesn't mean that anything else is going on.

    Do talk through any concerns you have about your diagnosis with your teams so they can reassure you and put your mind at ease further.

    I hope you know more soon and that everything works out okay for you.

    Do get back in touch if needed or give us a call on 0808 800 4040 if you prefer, we are here weekdays 9-5.

    Best wishes,

    Naomi