ROLE OF TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASOUND IN DETECTION OF ENDOMETRIAL CHANGES IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS UNDER HORMONAL THERAPY

Abstract

ormonal therapy (Tamoxifen) is an effective adjuvant therapy in treating breast cancer, but it is associated with increased endometrial cancer risk. It has a pro-estrogenic effect on the endometrium and is associated with a number of pathologies. The gynecologic side effects of Tamoxifen are diverse and reflect the complexity of its mechanism of action, with agonistic and antagonistic effects on various tissues, depending on the ambient estradiol concentration and hence menopausal status of the patient. The most worrisome gynecologic side effect was a two- to three-fold increased risk of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women. Despite its side effects, the benefits of Tamoxifen in controlling breast cancer or prevention of its relapse are still without debate.