TAMOXIFEN: ROLE IN BREAST CANCER & SIDE EFFECTS:SHORT REVIEW

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Tamoxifen

is a very common drug used in

breast cancer

.Tamoxifen has complex actions.This drug falls within the class of SERMs or selective estrogen receptor modulator.At some organs of the body tamoxifen acts as a potent estrogen antagonist that in these organs it opposes the action of estrogen.[example:breast].In other organs like the uterus it acts as an estrogen agonist, that is in other organs it increases the actions of estrogen,thereby causing proliferation of the endometrial layer of the utrus.This is called endometrial hyperplasia.

Thus long term use of tamoxifen may increase the risk of endometrial

cancer

.Endometrial sampling is a very important diagnostic procedure to rule out

endometrial hyperplasia

and

endometrial cancer

in individuals receiving tamoxifen therapy.

Tamoxifen's role in breast cancer:In most hospitals tamoxifen is considered as the first choice hormone therapy for breast cancer in both pre and post menopausal women.

Please do consult this topic with your doctor and other trusted internet sites.

Tags: breast cancer, cancer, endometrial cancer, endometrial sampling, side effects of tamoxifen, tamoxifen