Tamoxifen and Uterine Polyps

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summergal
summergal Member Posts: 208
edited July 2021 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi. I have been taking Tamoxifen for 7 1/2 years and recently experienced some scant vaginal discharge. I almost wrote it off, but instead followed my GYN's recommendation to have a transvaginal ultrasound and lo, and behold, it revealed a 5 centimeter by 5 centimeter uterine polyp. The imaging suggests that it "does not exclude malignancy." I had had a TV ultrasound in fall 2018 which did not reveal any polyps, so this is new. I am scheduled to see my GYN next week to plan a D&C to remove it. My oncologist has advised me to stop the Tamoxifen (after receiving the imaging report and not contacting me AT ALL until I called her on Monday to ask if I should continue taking Tamoxifen. Frustrated with the lack of response to this).

Curious if anyone else has experienced this - the literature suggests that uterine cancer from Tamoxifen use is "rare." Just my luck. My body tends to make weird shit, and this is the latest.

Thanks,

Anne

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  • flashlight
    flashlight Member Posts: 698
    edited July 2021

    Hi summergal, This happened to me as well, but I had only been on Tamoxifen for 4-months. I have always had a history of fibroids and the Tamoxifen made them grow. My Gyn said it might not be possible for her to remove my fibroid/polyp during the D&C because of where it was located. It took longer and she was able to remove it. The following Feb. I had a hysterectomy and had numerous growing fibroids. I didn't have any bleeding or discharge just lower pelvic discomfort. I know you are younger than me. Have your periods stopped? Maybe your MO is waiting to see what your Gyn has to say. Sending you best wishes!

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  • summergal
    summergal Member Posts: 208
    edited July 2021

    Thanks so much for your kind reply, Flashlight. So sorry you had to go through that, but hope all is well now. I am about to turn 57 and am through menopause, so a hysterectomy might be my best option, since my oncologist and I decided I'd do ten years of Tamoxifen instead of the AI. If I don't have a uterus, I can't have polyps, right? I don't know if she'll tell me to go back on the Tamoxifen after the surgery (D&C/hysterectomy). There are also side effects with AIs. Ugh! Won't know until next week. Thanks again - be well!

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  • WC3
    WC3 Member Posts: 1,540
    edited July 2021

    Hi summergal:

    I had a similar issue on the Tamoxifen so I switched to AIs.

    The pros: My mind is a lot clearer...I couldn't think on the Tamoxifen.

    The cons: I don't look as good as I did on the Tamoxifen. I have to take lupron or Zoladex with the AI due to my age and they are expensive, and it will likely accelerate my bone density loss so I will be starting medication for that, which presents it's own issues.


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