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Last Updated: May 5, 2009 - 12:58:27 PM |
SATURDAY MARCH 1, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- Men who complain about erectile dysfunction and or low libido may be given testosterone therapy to restore their bedroom performance. But a study warned doctors that patients should be informed of an increased risk for breast cancer.
Thomas SR at Royal Gwent Hospital in New Port, Gwent of the United Kingdom and colleagues reported a case in the March 14, 2008 issue of Endocrine practice to illustrate the risk.
In the reported case, a 61-year man with erectile dysfunction and low libido was referred to an endocrinologist by his general practitioner.
After a series of examinations, the doctor found no history of hypothalamic, pituitary, or testicular disorders or other diseases or medications associated with the low level of testosterone. The patient was also found to have no malignant disease.
The only thing confirmed by biochemical investigations was the presence of primary hypogonadism for which no cause was identified. Hypogonadism refers to a defect of the productive system that results in lack of function of the gonards or testes in this case.
Then the patient received testosterone therapy to improve sexual function and preserve bone density. Only five weeks later, the patient went to his general practitioner reporting that he had a gradually enlarging lump in his right breast.
Results of a biopsy confirmed that the man actually got breast cancer. He discontinued taking the testosterone therapy and received surgery to remove the right breast and clear axillary nodes.
Later, further histological examination confirmed that the cancer was estrogen receptor-positive, invasive carcinoma, but without nodal involvement.
The man was treated with Tamoxifen, a medication commonly used to prevent the malignancy from affecting the other breast. After six-month treatment, estradiol levels were undetectable and testosterone levels remained low.
The authors concluded that although cases of breast cancer of this sort in men with hypogonadism was due to long term exposure to testosterone replacement therapy, this case shows a short term exposure, 5 weeks in this case, may not be necessarily safe.
"This case should remind clinicians that men receiving testosterone therapy should be warned of the risk of not only prostate cancer but also breast cancer. Patient self-monitoring and breast examinations by the attending physician are recommended," the authors wrote.
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