Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cysts

[caw27]

Hi, I am a 27 year old woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 25, I had a complete mastectomy and given the option of chemo or tamoxifen, we picked tamoxifen becasue being able to have children is very important to us. I have been taking this for just over one year and I had MANY side effects to tamoxifen, so much so that I have considered stopping it. The most recent problem has been irregular bleeding and pain in the pelvic area, on one side, I had an ultrasound done where they found 2 cysts on one ovary and the other overy had folciles and fluid behind it. I know my Dr. thinks I blame everything on tamoxifen, but I never had anything like this before, is this connected? Should I be concered about this reducing my risk of being able to get pregent when I stop tamoxifen?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear caw27:  It is not uncommon for premenopausal women treated with tamoxifen to develop ovarian cysts.  These generally resolve when the tamoxifen is stopped.  You may want to consult with a fertility expert who can work with your oncologist in terms of maximizing your fertility options.

[flutterbyme]

Hi .... I have been told that ovarian cysts can be a side affect of tamoxifen.  I, too, am taking tamoxifen and just recently was told that I have a cyst on my ovary.  My concern is that it will turn out to be more cancer and not just a harmless cyst like I have been advised.