I'm wondering whether other women taking tamoxifen have any sort of pelvic check - an examination or ultrasound on a regular basis to check for uterine or endometrial changes/cancer. My oncologist has dismissed my suggestion that I should have this as a waste of money. She said there would be thickening of the uterine lining and an ultrasound would only lead to this being unnecessarily treated. I'm not so sure though. Does anybody on tamoxifen have an annual ultrasound?

Hi Jandy, I was only thinking of this yesterday. This is exactly what my oncologist said too! (RPAH Sydney)I have been on Tamoxifen since January 2012 and am worried about the possibility of uterine/ovarian cancer which they say is increased by the taking of this drug. Some people on this site seem to get checks but others not-is someone wrong?? Julia

Thanks for your reply Tonya. It's so annoying that a drug that stops breast cancer means we have to worry about another cancer. I know it's rare but still... I think I will be questioning my oncologist more about this issue next time I see her and if she still totally dismisses the idea of any kind of check I will ask my gp about it. I don't want any unnecessary treatment either and I think my onc said if thickening was found, and it likely would be, a D&C would be recommended. I think that is scraping out the uterus usually associated with abortions.But I'm just wondering whether having that done would reduce the risk of uterine or edometrial cancer. Maybe I'll do some more googling too. Anyway thanks for sharing your experience, I hope you are okay. Janet :)

I think I read that up to 8mm of endometrial thickening was ok but over that and they start to worry -especially if there are polyps as well.They do a D&C (scraping of the lining) to send to pathology to check for cancer. The thing is,you wouldn't know if your endometrium was thickening unless you had a pelvic ultrasound.And the only reason for ordering that was if you had discharge or bleeding.A D&C requires a general anaesthetic and is NO picnic! I know ladies who have had a few and then get told to just keep taking Tamoxifen until the next bleed. I think it's a real concern and there should be some sort of screening just like we have a pap test every 2 years as a precaution. Tonya xx

I guess I should add that I'm coming from a post menopause situation where any pelvic bleed is investigated.So if you are still having a period on Tamoxifen then that's even more of a worry cos monthly bleeding is normal. Perhaps if it was heavy bleeding or eractic bleeding they might do an ultrasound? Still a worry either way. Tonya xx

Don't really know where I stand in regard to menopause. I was having normal periods when diagnosed last year at 46. I had one really heavy one during chemo last July. Then they stopped for a while. Had another normal one before Christmas but no more since I've started taking tamoxifen in mid-Jan. I think the tamoxifen is inhibiting my periods becasue I still sometimes get cramps like I'm going to get one but no bleeding. But oncologist says I could still get one. So am I in menopause or not (am now 47)? And if I do have any bleeding is it a sign of something sinister or just a my periods coming back? Sorry Tonya, I know you can't answer my questions, just venting my frustration. I really wish there was some sort of screening. All this makes me very uneasy. Janet.

Tamoxifen and pelvic checks | BCNA Online Network

18 Replies

lpal
Member
11 years ago
Hi Denise

Well it's been sometime since I wrote this message. Since then I have had a full hysterectomy (I'm 40 y.o) and am so relieved that I did. I'm still taking Tamoxifen for a further 4 years (have been on it for about 1 year) and then switching to Aromatase Inhibitors thereafter for a further 5 years.

Lisa
lpal
Member
11 years ago
Hi Denise

Well it's been sometime since I wrote this message. Since then I have had a full hysterectomy (I'm 40 y.o) and am so relieved that I did. I'm still taking Tamoxifen for a further 4 years (have been on it for about 1 year) and then switching to Aromatase Inhibitors thereafter for a further 5 years.

Lisa
lpal
Member
12 years ago
I am new to these posts but glad to see (sadly) that I'm not alone in dealing with the s/effects of tamoxifen. I have been on it for about 4 months now and have just had a pelvic u/sound due to sharp pain in lower abdomen. The scan showed a small cyst on my ovary, a uterine fibroid and endometrium thickening of 17mm - am a little worried. Need to see a gyno for further investigation, I'm from the upper north shore area and have been going through Macq Uni Hospital. Has anyone heard about any good gynos around this area??
kirrily00
Member
12 years ago
So - seems that after 6 months from the first scan, in November last year I ended up having a total hysterectomy, laparoscopic one thank goodness. I was back at work after 4 weeks. Have lost weight and feel great. Back on Tamoxifen for another couple of years so will see how that goes - I enjoy being off it :) The Gyno recommended that it be done, had great surgeons too. Seems that I would have started to bleed randomly eventually so I thought that it was the best thing to do. I am 40. All pathology was fine thank goodness.
kiwisteph
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Tonya, I think the concern is that the zolodex should really have counteracted any adverse affects the tamoxifen was having. My appointment us Monday so I am hoping the redults won't take too long. I guess my main worry is the extent of the thickness. Everything else I have read dosnt seem to be anything near the 30mm that mine was. Regards Steph
kiwisteph
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Tonya, I think the concern is that the zolodex should really have counteracted any adverse affects the tamoxifen was having. My appointment us Monday so I am hoping the redults won't take too long. I guess my main worry is the extent of the thickness. Everything else I have read dosnt seem to be anything near the 30mm that mine was. Regards Steph
TonyaM
Member
12 years ago
Welcome to this network.I've been on Tamoxifen for 3.5 years now.I've been over menopause for about 5 years. About a year ago I took myself off Tamoxifen just for a break for a few months.Well I started spotting light blood so went to my gp who sent me for a pelvic ultrasound.My endometrium was normal thckness but it was full of cysts which apparently is normal if you are on Tamoxifen.So changes do happen but it doesn't mean it will become cancerous.If the endometrium thickens or contains polyps then they will want to do a D and C.Majority of the time it ends up being nothing so don't be alarmed.The doctors have to take every precaution when you are on this drug. My oncologist told me that spotting/discharge when you start or stop Tamoxifen is quite common. I guess they have to investigate vague abdo pains too.There seems to be different opinions in the medical profession as to whether we should have regular pelvic ultrasounds whilst on this drug.I don't know the answer but will just go with my instincts if I'm worried. Tonya xx
kiwisteph
Member
12 years ago
Hi girls I am new to this site and hoping someone can help. I had bilateral mastectomy 3 years ago and have been on tamoxifen and zolodex since then. Went fir ultrasound and thickened endometrium at 30mm was found. I am going to gyne next week and also having d&c done. I can't help myself scrolling the internet for answers, which does not hel. I am 43 by the way and have had no symptoms of anything other than the odd pain in each side every now and then. Any thoughts?
Merrilyn
Member
12 years ago
My oncologist advised me that they will only worry about checks if I experience any bleeding. My periods only stopped half way through my chemo but have not returned. I too get that feeling that I am going to have one but never eventuates. My main concern is my aches and pains from tamoxfen. They are so debilitating I am seriously considering stopping taking tamoxifen. I have not even been on it for a year as yet
kirrily00
Member
12 years ago
Hi. I have been on Tamoxifen for 5 years with looking at a possible 5 more. I took myself off to get a pelvic scan ultrasound and what a good idea. Even for piece of mind. I ended up having a Hysteroscopy where they put a camera in your uterus. Lining was fine, took a polyp and that was ok too. Now I have cysts on my ovaries, bugger. They say they are simple cysts, fluid filled. Not sure what the next step will be. I think if you have been on the drug for a long time or are experiencing symptoms then you should check. After breast cancer I don't want to have to deal with more. Just like to sort these cysts out. K

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