Possible Ovarian Cancer after Finishing Breast Cancer Treatment

Bookworm14

Okay so I have been tested BRCA 2 positive so my GYN/ONCO has me do an ultrasound every six months with CA-125 blood work. I had my last ultrasound in February and it all looked great and only a 13 on the CA-125. Went through AC and Taxol up through May. Finished radiation in July and started Tamoxifen in June. So I am a bit worried with the findings on the ultrasound I had last week, and so is my doctor.

So just wondering if I can get any input from you ladies.

The right ovary was seen to have either a hydrosalpinx, complex/complicated cyst, or epithelial neoplasm. I have three other cysts between the two ovaries along with the uterus increasing in size...then the lining increased from 8.5 to 18. Anyone else have something similar?

MelissaDallas

My guess is it is more likely to be changes caused by tamoxifen, which is known to cause ovarian cysts and thickened endometrium. Since you are BRCA positive it will be investigated closely. What was the recommendation?

Bookworm14

MelissaDallas,

Surgery was already on the table due to the BRCA2, but thinking to possibly move the surgery up from November/December. The doctor wants me to come in and discuss as of right now. Also, requesting an MRI to take a closer look.

Tmh0921

When I took Tamoxifen the first time at 27, I had yearly pelvic ultrasounds and CA-125. Almost every ultrasound showed cysts on my ovaries. Once, I also had thickening of my uterine lining as well. I had a biopsy of the thickened uterine lining which came back benign. They would watch the cysts and rescan at defined intervals, the cysts always resolved. They’ve since published ovarian cysts as a known side effect of Tamoxifen in pre-menopausal women.

Hopefully yours will be benign.

wallycat

2 years AFTER tamoxifen, I had a thicker uterine lining (in menopause). Mine ended up as 3 polyps, all b-9. My ovaries were not involved.

My prior gyn (I've moved) emailed me saying 5% chance it could be cancer but ended up b-9. I am not BRCA positive.

Best to you.

B-A-P

BRCA2 + here.

I just had my ovaries removed due to the gene but prior to surgery I had an US which showed a complex cyst with multiple septations on my right ovary. Freaked me out. Then I had an Mri which showed that I had three cysts on the right ovary, one of which had grown from 2cm to 5cm within two weeks. I also had one on the left. But the report had stated that they didn't see anything malignant on the scan.

Still waiting on the pathology reports from surgery but I truly think the tamoxifen is what caused all of my cysts . Hoping it's the same for you. meaning all benign and due to the tamox. Not cancer of course

Bookworm14

Tmh0921,

I was unaware of the link between Tamoxifen and cysts! Thanks for letting me know that. Hoping for good news.

Wallycat,

Talked to the doctor again about the results and she did not really bring up the lining at all so guessing that is from the Tamoxifen. I had no idea that it could happen that in two months.

B-A-P,

The BRCA2 is a concern for sure and kind of raises the stress level when something comes up. Great news on the scan results and hoping for that same great news on the path report. Hope you are recovering well from the surgery