# An Unusual Occurrence of Tamoxifen-Induced Maculopathy in a Young Woman With Hormone Receptor-Positive Post-mastectomy Breast Carcinoma

## TL;DR

A young woman developed vision problems after long-term tamoxifen use for breast cancer, highlighting the need for eye monitoring during treatment.

## Contribution

Reports a rare case of tamoxifen-induced maculopathy in a young breast cancer patient.

## Key findings

- Tamoxifen use over three years led to bilateral maculopathy in a premenopausal patient.
- Ophthalmic evaluation is crucial for early detection of vision-threatening side effects.
- Tamoxifen remains effective in reducing breast cancer recurrence despite rare ocular risks.

## Abstract

Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), is a hormone therapy used for the treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. We report the case of a 29-year-old premenopausal lady with a history of infertility treatments who was diagnosed with ER-positive infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast. Following a modified radical mastectomy (MRM) and adjuvant systemic chemotherapy, tamoxifen was recommended as part of her adjuvant hormonal therapy.

After over three years of tamoxifen use, the patient complained of gradual blurring of vision in both eyes. Ophthalmological examinations indicated bilateral maculopathy, a rare but alarming ocular side effect attributed to tamoxifen use.

This case report emphasizes the significance of ophthalmic tests in patients on tamoxifen therapy to monitor any potential ocular side effects. While tamoxifen has shown remarkable benefits in the adjuvant treatment of ER-positive breast cancer, including lowering the chance of recurrence and increasing survival rates, clinicians must be acquainted with rare but potential vision-threatening consequences such as tamoxifen-induced maculopathy. Early detection and timely management are critical in reducing the risk of vision loss in patients receiving tamoxifen for breast cancer.