Uterine leiomyomata and endometrial proliferation in postmenopausal women treated with the anti-oestrogen tamoxifen.
Two cases of fibroid growth and endometrial proliferation in postmenopausal women on tamoxifen (anti-oestrogen) therapy for breast cancer are described. Oestrogen in association with growth factors may control fibroid growth and differentiation. The possible mechanisms and consequences of tamoxifen-induced fibroid growth are discussed. Oestrogen responsive tissues demonstrate a differential and contrasting response to tamoxifen and caution should be exercised in the expansion of its clinical application. Women on long-term tamoxifen therapy may benefit from ultrasound surveillance of their uterus and endometrium, with biopsy in suspicious cases, as there is a paucity of data on malignant transformation of these benign lesions induced by tamoxifen therapy.
Ugwumadu
A H
AH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary's University Hospital, Roehampton, London, UK.
Harding
K
K
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004714:Endometrial Hyperplasia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology
D013629:Tamoxifen