Can Tamoxifen cause uterine fibroids to grow larger?

ESinNJ

Forgot to ask my doctor today.....I have lobular carcinoma in situ. Now I have to make a decision about how to reduce my risk of developing breast cancer, either with Tamoxifen or bilateral mastectomy. I already have 3 large uterine fobroids. It seems to me that if the uterus is being flooded with more estrogen, that the fibroids would grow. I've been waiting for menopause so that they would shrink, and trying to avoid a hysterectomy. I don't want to trade one risk for another. Is there a correlation between Tamoxifen and fibroid growth? And the mastectomy with breast reconstruction posts I've read make the process sound horendous! Don't know what to do.

gail1961

Wow I could have written your post. I was diagnosed with LCIS in January after I a lumpectomy or as some doctors call it a partial mastectomy. I also have uterine fibroids. I went for a second opinion and was told the same. Bi lateral mastectomy or tamoxifen which i really do not want to take I feel like you. I am at a high risk 72% of getting breast cancer. both grandmothers and 2 aunts on my mothers side and a year ago my sister was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I have dense breast tissue whcih makes it hard for them to read my mamo's and mri's. The surgeon I used said that it is a personal choice I was braca tested and it came back negative. I declined further genetic counseling from the 2nd opinion since I am already at a 72% chance, finding a gene is not going to make or not make a decision for me. I was actually all set for a bi-lat mastectomy and was taken back by my daughter and husband. They think I should just monitor it every 6 months. I actually know a few woman that have had a mastectomy and all but 1 did really well. I was told not to do the reconstruction that uses your stomach muscle it is a flap and cause less blood flow which slows the healing process and increases chance of infection. The plastic surgeon I spoke with said he did not recommend it. After my lumpectomy I did really well, but I am going to be posting a question I had it done on 1/27/14 The past few weeks I have been having a lot of pain and burning. on the opposite side of the incision on the same breast I have a circular red area that appeared about a week after the surgery. Bothe doctors I consulted said they did not know what it was the circle is about the size of a medium lemon. I was not sure if this is normal or if anyone else has experienced. I just know that i am so sore I have to sleep with a bra on. If a mastectomy will stop the pain I am in (I am also cystic so I have pain most of the month to begin with) I am really going to consider the mastectomy.  I wish you well and will keep you in my prayers. Let me know what you decide.   

ESinNJ

hi gail1961! First... my middle name is Gayle and i was born in 1961!! Funny. Anyway, thanks for responding. I made an appointment with my gynocologist for a consultation to discuss the fibroid issue, and the effect that Tamoxifen might have on them. I have a call into my oncologist as well. Based on that information I'll make a decision about taking it. Things are further complicated by my being on Zoloft for depression. My oncologist said that Zoloft blocks the absorption of Tamoxifen, and that I would have to change anti depressants. I'm not in a hurry to do that either. I read about the pain you are having........sounds like an infection. I can't believe two doctors don't know what it's from. It's scary to think that these are the people that we're entrusting our lives to. Oh, and like you, I too have painful, sensitive breasts most of the month. I mentioned it to the nurse practitioner at the doctor's office. She recommended vitamin E. So I started that today. We'll see.