To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Long-Term Use Of Tamoxifen May Be Linked To Gynecological Abnormalities URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/E66DE.htm Doctor's Guide February 19, 1999
LONDON, ENGLAND -- February 19, 1999 -- Tamoxifen prolongs the life of women with breast cancer and may significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease in those with an inherited tendency. But, suggests a leading article in the Journal of Clinical Pathology, long term use may produce other serious abnormalities, including cancer. These include hormonal-like effects on cervical smears, as well as increased numbers of polyps and pre-cancerous changes in the lining of the womb (endometrium) - all risk factors for the development of cancer. Several large trials have also indicated that women with breast cancer treated with the drug are at greater risk of developing endometrial cancer, and a small study showed that a type of endometrial cancer that has a poor prognosis was the one most commonly associated with treatment with tamoxifen. Increased numbers of cysts were found in the ovaries of women given tamoxifen. Women who have already gone through the menopause who are treated with the drug may develop endometriosis, a condition which is very rare in women of this age, and in which tissue from the womb lining ends up in other parts of the body. How tamoxifen produces these effects is not yet understood, says the author, Dr Sezgin Ismail, from the Department of Pathology at University of Wales College of Medicine, in Cardiff, Wales. However, he added that the publicity given to the benefits of tamoxifen looks set to increase the drug's use, not only among those with breast cancer, but also among healthy women with an inherited disposition to the disease. Related Links: Tamoxifen --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.