ovarian cysts

[rockymountains]

Hi - I was diagnosed with BC 1.8 years ago, have been taking tamoxifin since. I have now started having cysts on my ovaries - one is simple the other is complex. I go back to the DR.s next week. Do you think this is related to the tamoxifin? I never had any issues there before this entire cancer thing. I know they say your risk of OC is increase when having BC and decreased when on Tamoxifin. Confusing - just don't want anymore medical issues - I had never been sick until 1.8 years ago and now I do nothing but go to the doctors - any thoughts?  also, do you think they are going to want to biopsy the cyst that is complex?

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi there,
If you are premenopausal, tamoxifen does cause ovarian cysts. In fact, tamoxifen was first developed as an ovulation induction drug for women with infertility.

However, if you have breast cancer, you maybe at higher risk for ovarian cancer. You should ask your doctor about a consultation with a genetic counselor to go over your risks for ovarian cancer. you should consider testing for the gene mutation BRCA 1 and 2.

if you are at high risk for ovarian cancer based on family history or gene mutation, you should consider the prophylactic removal of your ovaries and tubes. there is no screening testing for ovarian cancer . The single most effective intevernetion for the prevention of ovarian cancer is the surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes
take care

[rockymountain715]

Thank you -- I am originally from boston and just move to Co 1.8 years ago - what a welcome I got. It is nice to get advice from the best ! I am premenopausal. I will talk to my doctor about the test for fene mutation BRCA 1 and 2.  As far as I know, no one in my family has had ovarian cancer - breast cancer, throat cancer and now bone cancer.  At this point they can take it all -- I have no use for it now.
I just want to live and continue to be healthy.
I guess exercising, no drinking, no drugs, no smoking -- doesn't always mean -- scott free.

thanks for your time.