[Mixed müllerian tumours of the endometrium. About four cases developed on tamoxifen treatment]

Gynecol Obstet Fertil. 2003 Sep;31(9):733-8. doi: 10.1016/s1297-9589(03)00216-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

We report four cases of mixed müllerian tumors of the endometrium arising in postmenopausal women taking tamoxifen for breast carcinoma. Various histopathologic features were encountered: one müllerian adenosarcoma and three malignant mixed müllerian tumors so called carcinosarcomas (in one case the sarcomatous component was homologous composed of tissues normally found in the uterus, while the others were heterologous because they were containing some elements normally not found in the uterus). Concern has been raised about prolonged tamoxifen treatment and subsequent occurrence of endometrial adenocarcinoma. Then, attention has been drawn through high-risk histologic subtypes including poorly differentiated patterns, uterine sarcomas and such mixed müllerian tumors. There is no consensus regarding internal surveillance of women receiving tamoxifen. The usefulness of pelvic sonography has not been demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mixed Tumor, Mullerian / chemically induced*
  • Mixed Tumor, Mullerian / pathology
  • Postmenopause
  • Tamoxifen / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Tamoxifen