L. Unkilakallio et al., MALIGNANT-TUMORS OF THE OVARY OR THE BREAST IN ASSOCIATION WITH INFERTILITY - A REPORT OF 13 CASES, Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica, 76(2), 1997, pp. 177-181
Background. Many questions have been raised recently about the relatio
nship between infertility: fertility drugs and cancer. This prompted u
s to evaluate our patients having ovarian or breast cancer with a know
n history of infertility. Methods. We report thirteen women who had be
en examined and/or treated for infertility before the occurrence of ma
lignant tumors of the ovary or the breast at an age under 50 years in
1990-1995 in our unit. Results. Mean age of the patients was 35 rears
(s.d. 5.9 years, range 28-47 years). Of the 11 ovarian tumors, one was
a malignant teratoma, two were granulosa cell turners and eight epith
elial ovarian cancers. Ten women had received either clomiphene citrat
e alone or together with gonadotrophins, one had used only gonadotroph
ins, and in two patients ovarian cancer was detected during an inferti
lity work-up but before any treatment. Four women had used clomiphene
for more than twelve cycles. Two patients had ductal breast cancer. Co
nclusions. Our patients emphasize the need for follow-up and long-term
prospective studies in infertile women who have been evaluated or tre
ated for infertility.