[The effect of tamoxifen of endometrium].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of tamoxifen on the endometrium.

METHODS

Hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsies were performed in 26 patients with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen and having vaginal bleeding or endometrial thickness detected by ultrasound. In addition 78 women with postmenopausal bleeding without receiving tamoxifen underwent the same examination.

RESULTS

Thirteen (50.0%) patients receiving tamoxifen had endometrial or endocervical polyps, whereas 14 cases(17.9%) not receiving tamoxifen developed the polyps (P < 0.05). Nine (34.6%) patients receiving tamoxifen had thyperplasias, which was significantly higher than that of women not receiving tamoxifen (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of endometria disease in the patient with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen was increased. These patients should be closely monitored by transvaginal sonography and hysteroscopy.