Pre BC Endometriosis and Tamoxifen?

Truffles1968

I have had endometriosis since my teens, was on birth control pills and had laparoscopies to treat until having my uterus out 8 years ago. Onc recommended Tamoxifen until menopause then switching to AI/OS (I am 47 and probably 5 years from menopause based on mother). I have had my period monthly since my partial hysterectomy due to the endometrial tissue still in my body.

My concern is that Tamoxifen can cause endometrial thickening and cancer but that my doctor will not be able to check a "uterine lining" for growth or cancer. How would they know if the Tamoxifen causes the renegade endometrial tissue to become cancerous?

Curlykat

Truffles,

That's a good question! I would definitely talk to your gyno and/or med onc about this. I just had an ultrasound to check fibroids and my Gyn was concerned about endometrial hyperplasia due to Tamoxifen - so I've been reading on this. I also have endometriosis (2 laps, Lupron, bc, etc), so it is in the back of my mind that if I have a hysterectomy because of that, it won't stop the thickening on the endometriosis. But, I don't think that the increase in cancer risks is "huge" on Tamoxifen (+5% is coming to mind, but I'd have to go back and check), so I'm not worrying about that too much. I'm hoping that, since I'm also 47, I'll go thru menopause before it becomes an issue.

Good luck!

Kat