The effect of tamoxifen on the genital tract.
Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is widely used in the treatment of patients with breast cancer and for chemoprophylaxis in high risk women. Tamoxifen results in a spectrum of abnormalities involving the genital tract, the most significant being an increased incidence of endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. This article reviews the effects of tamoxifen on the genital tract and the strengths and weaknesses of various imaging modalities for evaluating the endometrium.
Polin
Sandra A
SA
Department of Radiology, Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC 20007, USA. sandrapolin@gmail.com
Ascher
Susan M
SM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D052776:Female Urogenital Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014621:Vagina / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D013629:Tamoxifen