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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
ovarian ablation relate to breast cancer § 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.
ovarian ablation relate to breast cancer § tamoxifen
by Latressa, Aug 11, 2001 12:00AM
Does ovarian ablation improve overall survival in breast cancer?Tamoxifen,how does if affect the ovaries? Since being on tamoxifen, I have experience lower abdominal pain, fullness, and increased pelvic gerth. I have also had a ruptured ovarian cyst. I was informed that these symptoms would subside,however after two years the pain has worsen.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Aug 14, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Latressa, During the menstrual cycle ovaries when stimulated by other hormones (FSH), produce estrogen. The resulting high levels of estrogen in the blood tell the pituitary gland to stop producing FSH and start secreting LH (another hormone). When the estrogen and LH are both at their peak, ovulation occurs – the egg is released into the follopian tube. After menopause the ovaries continue to produce estrogen although in a much smaller amount.
Some breast tumors are found to be estrogen receptor positive, meaning that the presence of estrogen may have a role in stimulating their growth. The purpose of ovarian ablation (in selected pre-menopausal women) is to decrease the amount of estrogen available in the body. Tamoxifen on the other hand blocks the estrogen receptor in the breast and on the cancer cell. After menopause the ovaries stop producing large amounts of estrogen (enough to stimulate ovulation). However a small amount is still available in the body, that is why tamoxifen is used even in women after menopause.
The question regarding ovarian ablation improving overall survival is a complex one that is still being studied. In an overview of studies it is suggested that ovarian ablation and chemotherapy are similar in terms of their effects in pre-menopausal women. However, there is insufficient data to suggest that ovarian ablation should be substituted for chemotherapy. There is also not enough information regarding the extent of possible negative consequences of ablation.
Some breast tumors are found to be estrogen receptor positive, meaning that the presence of estrogen may have a role in stimulating their growth. The purpose of ovarian ablation (in selected pre-menopausal women) is to decrease the amount of estrogen available in the body. Tamoxifen on the other hand blocks the estrogen receptor in the breast and on the cancer cell. After menopause the ovaries stop producing large amounts of estrogen (enough to stimulate ovulation). However a small amount is still available in the body, that is why tamoxifen is used even in women after menopause.
The question regarding ovarian ablation improving overall survival is a complex one that is still being studied. In an overview of studies it is suggested that ovarian ablation and chemotherapy are similar in terms of their effects in pre-menopausal women. However, there is insufficient data to suggest that ovarian ablation should be substituted for chemotherapy. There is also not enough information regarding the extent of possible negative consequences of ablation.
