Tamoxifen and enlarged uterus

If the tv ultrasound shows that the lining of your uterus is much thicker than it should be, the doctor might recommend an endometrial biopsy - which is an office procedure or a d&c which requires anesthesia and is usually done outpatient/hospital. I am having a tv ultrasound tomorrow due to spotting - but I am 63!!! Tamoxifen can cause the endometrial lining to thicken - WITHOUT it being cancer and I assume the uterus can swell for other reasons - fibroids? Because I assume you are premenopause - your doctor might recommend no additional or different tests than I had. Hope whatever is found is nothing to worry about.

Julie E

Fibroids (benign) can definitely enlarge the uterus. Long before I had breast cancer, I had fibroids, and a uterus enlarged to about the size of a 4-months pregnancy. I also had significant ovarian cysts, and was very scared of ovarian cancer, but all checked out OK. Had lots of IV ultrasounds to keep track of everything.Totally benign.

Eventually, due to spotting that almost became a constant period, I had a hysterectomy. Since I was 50 at the time, my GYN said I could leave the ovaries or have them removed -- I decided upon removal (my Mom had a scare in her 70's and had to have ovary removal then due to suspicion of cancer). So, when the BC came along, I was glad I had total hysterectomy & ovary removal. Less estrogen to feed the cancer!

I had the hysteroscopic procedure to remove a polyp almost a year ago. I also had a D&C at that time. It stopped all my funky bleeding. Actually have only had 1 period since. Hoping your surgery goes well. (I had to wait over a month also, they weren't to worried about me either)

had my hysteroscopy and d&c today. went very well. I love it when suddenly you are back in your cubby, what, all done??? Only problem was had show I could pee before I would be allowed to go home.  I couldn't pee! chugged three water bottles and two cups of tea and finally produced a tiny amount - but enough to get the green light to go home.(not my usual problem)

I have had two prior d&cs since starting my 5 year regimen - but this is the longest I have gone between tvus - so in my head - naturally the lining would be thicker than ever before (15mm v 8-9mm) and starting to slough off. My preferred scenario: I will be good to go through August - when I reach my 5 year mark - I will get a tvu in Sept and then I will then get another  tvu a few months later to check that the lining is decreasing in thickness! ta da! Unfortunately,  In talk with my gyn just before the d&c - he was not as hopeful as me that he wouldn't find something like pre-cancer. So, another possible scenario will be hysterectomy! I tried for the upside of that, I would have to stop the tamoxifen!! like immediately! Nooo, probably not until the hysterectomy, at which point he thinks I would go on an AI!!

The pathology results unfortunately won't be available  for like 10 days due to holidays etc.

Apparently I had 5 polyps which were removed, not just the one seen on the ultrasound and the nurses said that in recovery I asked repeatedly if that meant I lost 5 lbs.  told, sadly NO.

Wow that was quite the load off!!! They usually can't even find my ovaries on ultrasound - because they have shriveled so much? If I do need a hysterectomy I am going to ask my gyn to string up my rectum and bladder? so that I don't get a rectocele and/or cystocele down the road? BONUS!!!!  

I don't even know why GYNs poke at ovaries. I'm a thin person, 5'5"  105lbs. They can't find my ovaries. Several years ago, I was sent home from a GYNs office after an exam. He said my ovaries were so small he couldn't find them. I knew something was wrong. The left side of my belly was sticking out farther than the right. Neither side of my belly usually stuck out. My PCP sent me to the hospital for an outpatient US. Turned out that I had an 11.8cm cyst on my right ovary & a 5.5cm cyst on the left. So.......why they poke at ovaries, I don't know! Totally useless. I read that it should be dropped from the exam.

just heard from my gynecologist on results of the Dec 18th d&c and it is endometrial cancer - moderately differentiated. hope to hear later today from the gyno-onc to whom he is referring me.........  my cancerventure continues.

thanks Annette, I picked up the path report - am sending out feelers to friends/nurses for recommended surgeons. will call for appt tomorrow if I don't hear anything today. I want this taken care of ASAP so I can be fully recovered and on the water for kayaking in March. I just had a week of husband telling me I can't do this and can't do that post d&c - he has the potential for driving me mad with concern and then when he gets bored with that, he will just get grumpy!! all assuming this had been caught early. oh and the gyn said NO MORE TAMOXIFEN. I asked if he had spoken with my MO and he said, just tell him I told you NO MORE Tamoxifen. I mumbled - for now........

How sad that your GYN won't discuss your care with your MO. As for surgeons, do you have access to a Gynecolgical Oncologist. My GYN(who is also a reproductive endocrinologist) has discussed my situation with a GYN Oncologist. That's where I'd start,if possible. Good luck. I get another biopsy next week. The lining is too thick. Had a D&C with polyp removal 1 year ago. So, here I go again.........Oh yeah, the ovary isn't behaving...

So, after a hysterectomy, you'll complete your 5years on an AI? Jelson, it looks like you're close to the 5 year mark?

my name is sam an I apologize to be out of the topic but I beagin with tamoxifen 2 month ago so does it make endo cencer from the begining of taken tamoxifen

I hope you have beaten the cancer Jelson! I am on my 6th year in Tamoxifen, been complaining about lower abdomen pain for over 3 years now. I have had several biopsies, all came back fine and my last US showed a cyst and a fribroid, oh yeah, last year my uterun lining was at 15mm, I guess that's a bit enlarged, yes my gyno said that! I had an appt with a pelvic surgeon the next week, my uterus is at 7 months, that was 3 months ago! I was wondering why I couldn't lose my stomach! Surgery scheduled for 12/19 and praying all is benign!! I'll keep you updated after my pathology report comes back!