[Tamoxifen and endometrial pathology]
M Negoiţă1, C Terinte, Maria Sultana Mihailovici
1Universităţii de Medicină si Farmacie Gr.T. Popa Iaşi.
Summary
Tamoxifen treatment for ER+ breast cancer is linked to significant endometrial pathology in symptomatic women. Regular screening with transvaginal ultrasonography and endometrial biopsy is crucial for early detection and management.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gynecology
- Pathology
Background:
- Tamoxifen is a standard adjuvant therapy for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast carcinoma.
- Its use in breast cancer treatment necessitates understanding potential side effects, particularly endometrial changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the spectrum and frequency of endometrial histological changes in women undergoing Tamoxifen therapy for ER+ breast carcinoma.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of transvaginal ultrasonography and endometrial biopsy in detecting these changes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 125 symptomatic women receiving Tamoxifen for ER+ breast carcinoma underwent transvaginal ultrasonography and endometrial biopsy.
- Endometrial specimens were histologically processed for diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Nearly half (49.6%) of patients exhibited endometrial pathology, including hyperplasia (simple and complex), polyps, and carcinoma.
- A significant proportion (32%) had atrophic endometrium.
- Endometrial carcinoma was diagnosed in 4.8% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Symptomatic postmenopausal and premenopausal women on Tamoxifen therapy have a higher likelihood of endometrial pathology.
- Transvaginal ultrasonography followed by endometrial biopsy is recommended for patient monitoring.
- Annual endometrial biopsy screening is advised for all patients on long-term Tamoxifen therapy.
