Tamoxifen and Neck Pain

[Under Forty Pam]

I had been on Tamoxifen since Oct 07, post DCIS breast cancer and radiation.  I have been experiencing some pain in my neck, throat, and glands for about 2 months now (Feb/Mar).  Are there any studies linking Tamoxifen to any side effects in that area of the body?  If so should I consult an Ears/Nose/Throat doctor or go back to my surgeon or go to my medical oncologist?

[puntacana]

I am 45 yrs old and unfortunately have recently joined the breast cancer club.  I had a bilateral mastectomy last week and am awaiting chemo and radiation instructions.  Although I have not experienced Tamoxifen yet I would like to address the comments on ovarian cysts.  I am an Ultrasound Technician and have been working in the field for 23 yrs.  Ovarian cysts are a normal function in pre menopausal women.  We see them daily where I work.  It is just an accumulation of fluid in the ovary and the rupture is your bodys way of eliminating them.  Althought this is sometimes painful, it is normal and the fluid is absorbed naturally into the body.  Most women have ovarian cysts monthly and don't even know it.  You may not think you have had one in the past but you probably have, but this one may have been a little larger causing your pain.  When I was in my 20's I would get ovarian cysts the size of grapefruits so I know your pain. What I'm trying to say is you very likely will have these throughout your young life with or without Tamoxifen so don't worry.  Ovarian cysts are the least of our problems.

[boninclyde]

Thank you all for the responses.

[ceegee]

Tamoxifen most definitely causes ovarian cysts.  I never had one until I started taking it.  I too had one rupture it was the worse pain ever, and I had natural childbirth pains. :)  Tamoxifen also gave me uterine polyps, which I had never had before.
My gyno agreed that it was tamoxifen related, but my oncologist said that it wasn't.  I ended up having an endometrial ablation to get rid of the polyps.
I've been on tamoxifen for four years this July, one more year to go and I can't wait to stop taking it.

Good luck with your journeys.

[boninclyde]

What did you do for the rupture? That is what I am afraid of. Had you or have you had vaginal ultrasounds to look for cyst?  Did you know it was there before it ruptured? Thanks Pam.

[Under Forty Pam]

There isn't anything you can do for the rupture, went to the ER and they said they could give me pain meds but that was it.  I had no idea it was there, it just hit one morning on a Sunday or course when you can't find a doctor.  After arriving at the ER the doc did a MRI then a vaginal ultrasound.  They said one ruptured and there was another one in there too that did not rupture yet.  Nothing they can do to prevent the rupture.  Then post 2 wks at my OBGYN they did another vaginal ultrasound to make sure other ones that appeared in the ER shrank on their own.

[Under Forty Pam]

I got an ovarian cyst in Dec., it ruptered, I went to the ER in a lot of pain.  Thought it was my appendix.  Went to my oncologist and OBGYN of course both said it was not related to Tamoxifen but I beg to defer.

[boninclyde]

Sorry to see your having more problems. I think I would go to my pc and get him to send me for a ultrasound of your thyroid and lymph nodes. I had one done at my hospital but doctor had to refer me. I started my tamoxifen 1 month after you in November 06. Before starting the med the doctor did a vaginal ultrasound to size up my endo, uterus, ovaries and to check 2 fibroids I have had for a year now. I've been watching a place in my stomach on the right (the size of a softball but no define lump) grow since late January so I called dr. Went for another ultrasound last week. The fibroids are still there but they are aging and will hopefully go away soon. They did find 1 cyst on my left ovary and 3 on my right (a mass they said) I do not have any pain. The tech said my uterus was  very full and I would be having a very bad cycle soon. Well I started Thursday and it has been very light. Don't know whats up with that. Dr. said the cyst or fibroids are not the cause of growth in my stomach. Wants me to come back 2/3 months for another ultrasound or he wants to go in and have a look. More waiting. If they go in they are going to do it once and take it all out. I do not look forward to more surgery or being put to sleep again. Just wanted to share my tamoxifen problems with you as we started this journey at the same time. Do you know anyone that has gotten cyst from tamoxifen?  Please see your pc and let us know how you are. I wish you well.

[CCF-RN-JS]

Dear Under Forty Pam:  The symptoms you are experiencing could be due to a number of reasons.  It is best to have this checked by your physician who can ask questions, and put this in context of physical examination.  For initial assessment your internist would be appropriate.  If you do not have an internist checking with either your medical oncologist or surgeon which ever would be available to direct you.