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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
ADH and Tamoxifen
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
ADH and Tamoxifen
by jlady, Aug 17, 2004 12:00AM
I an aware of what ADH is and is not. My questions are: Is it normal/common/typical to be diagnosed with ADH in both breasts? My breast surgeon is pushing for me to see an onocologist to "discuss" tamoxifen but the research that I have done on this drug scares the bejesus out of me - is there an alternative?
I am 45 years old, in surgicallly induced menopause and using an estrogen patch under doctor supervision for the past 6 months. I was diagnosed with ADH about 5 years ago.
Thanks in advance for your time and answers. I truly appreciate it.
I am 45 years old, in surgicallly induced menopause and using an estrogen patch under doctor supervision for the past 6 months. I was diagnosed with ADH about 5 years ago.
Thanks in advance for your time and answers. I truly appreciate it.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Aug 17, 2004 12:00AM
Dear jlady: It is not typical for ADH to be diagnosed in both breasts but it is certainly not impossible either. There have been studies suggesting that tamoxifen may reduce the incidence of breast cancer in high risk women. ADH is one risk factor but may not be enough to justify tamoxifen in your specific case. At any rate, tamoxifen would be contraindicated in anyone using estrogen. The bigger question is how long you stay on estrogen. It wouldn't hurt to meet with the oncologist and discuss all of these issues and at least have the facts on which to base your decision.
