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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Tamoxifen Cause Cancer Leading To Hysterectomy?

Hi I have been diagnosed with Atypical hyperplasia in my right breast. I had surgery to remove the abnormal cells. Now they want to put me on medication. One is tamoxifen. side effect is cancer of the uterus. If this happens i will have to have a hysterectomy. I am 55 and at the height of my sexual life. The other is rafoxifene (too many side effects) loss of bone density. Thinking of using tamoxifen but scared of possibly having a hysterectomy and losing my sex life. Can you give any insight on the possibility of having a hysterectomy and me losing my sexual desire?
Fri, 7 Feb 2014
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OBGYN 's  Response
Hi,

I understand your concern. Tamoxifene does increase the risk of endometrial carcinoma, a cancer of the uterus. But it is difficult to predict the individual risk. However, since you had atypical hyperplasia, this drug has been advised as a safeguard to protect against further development of breast cancer.

Monitoring of tamoxifene therapy by regular gynec examination and endometrial sampling may be done to identify any early changes in the uterine lining and than stop therapy if needed. Even though these are not full proof methods to rule out endometrial cancer, but they are the standard of therapy. Also, if at all you need a hysterectomy, it may be possible to preserve the ovaries and protect against menopausal symptoms.

Also having a hysterectomy does not mean loss of active sexual life as many women continue to be sexually active after hysterectomy.
An intact uterus is not always needed for active sex life. There is a psychological aspect too.

Hope you find this useful.
Thanks for using HCM.
Dr Madhuri Bagde
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Can Tamoxifen Cause Cancer Leading To Hysterectomy?

Hi, I understand your concern. Tamoxifene does increase the risk of endometrial carcinoma, a cancer of the uterus. But it is difficult to predict the individual risk. However, since you had atypical hyperplasia, this drug has been advised as a safeguard to protect against further development of breast cancer. Monitoring of tamoxifene therapy by regular gynec examination and endometrial sampling may be done to identify any early changes in the uterine lining and than stop therapy if needed. Even though these are not full proof methods to rule out endometrial cancer, but they are the standard of therapy. Also, if at all you need a hysterectomy, it may be possible to preserve the ovaries and protect against menopausal symptoms. Also having a hysterectomy does not mean loss of active sexual life as many women continue to be sexually active after hysterectomy. An intact uterus is not always needed for active sex life. There is a psychological aspect too. Hope you find this useful. Thanks for using HCM. Dr Madhuri Bagde