Tamoxifen-induced uterine abnormalities: the role of imaging

Radiology. 2000 Jan;214(1):29-38. doi: 10.1148/radiology.214.1.r00ja4429.

Abstract

Tamoxifen citrate is an orally administered, nonsteroidal antiestrogen agent that is widely used for the treatment of breast cancer and that has recently been found to prevent breast cancer in some high-risk populations. Tamoxifen may, however, cause adverse effects at the uterine level. In this article, the authors review (a) the histopathologic uterine changes associated with tamoxifen therapy, (b) the spectrum of uterine imaging findings in women treated with tamoxifen, and (c) the recommendations of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology for women treated with tamoxifen. An algorithm for imaging evaluation of the uterus in women treated with tamoxifen is presented.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Diagnostic Imaging*
  • Endometrial Hyperplasia / chemically induced*
  • Endometrial Hyperplasia / diagnosis
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Endometrium / drug effects
  • Endometrium / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Precancerous Conditions / chemically induced
  • Precancerous Conditions / diagnosis
  • Tamoxifen / administration & dosage
  • Tamoxifen / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Tamoxifen