[Evaluation of endometrium during tamoxifen therapy of breast cancer]

Ginekol Pol. 2002 Nov;73(11):1109-12.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Tamoxifen is one of most common drugs for breast cancer therapy. But its weak estrogenic activity in endometrium can be the source of different abnormalities including even endometrial cancer.

Objectives: The aim of this clinical trial was to compare ultrasound scan results, hysteroscopy and pathomorphological findings of tamoxifen treated patients with breast cancer who complained of bleeding.

Materials and methods: Analyzed group consisted of 10 patients treated for abnormal endometrium during breast cancer tamoxifen therapy.

Results: Among 10 examined women 7 presented no pathological changes, there was 1 case of simple benign hypertrophy and 2 cases of endometrial polyps.

Conclusions: There is no exact correlation between ultrasound scan results and pathomorphological findings in patients treated with tamoxifen for of breast cancer. Transvaginal ultrasound examination is not efficient screening test for endometrial abnormalities during tamoxifen therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Endometrium / diagnostic imaging
  • Endometrium / drug effects*
  • Endometrium / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyps / chemically induced
  • Polyps / pathology
  • Postmenopause
  • Tamoxifen / adverse effects*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Tamoxifen