The development of adenocarcinoma of the endometrium in young women receiving long-term sequential oral contraception

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1975 Oct 1;123(3):299-301. doi: 10.1016/0002-9378(75)90202-1.

Abstract

PIP: 4 cases of adenocarcinoma of the endometrium were reported in young women. All were using and had used for periods of 4-12 years a sequential oral contraceptive, Oracon, manufactured by Mead Johnson Laboratories. Ethinyl estradiol and mestranol, the 3 methyl ether of ethinyl estradiol, are 25 times more potent than diethylstilbestrol, which has recently been implicated in the development of vaginal adenocarcinoma in female offspring of women treated during pregnancy with it. A study is now in progress to determine whether long-term use of Oracon produces premalignant changes in the endometrium. Doctors with patients on similar sequential contraceptives should watch for abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / chemically induced*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Adult
  • Chlormadinone Acetate / adverse effects
  • Contraceptives, Oral / adverse effects*
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Sequential / adverse effects*
  • Dimethisterone / adverse effects
  • Diseases in Twins / chemically induced
  • Ethinyl Estradiol / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / pathology
  • Leiomyoma / surgery
  • Mestranol / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Uterine Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / surgery

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Sequential
  • Chlormadinone Acetate
  • Ethinyl Estradiol
  • Mestranol
  • Dimethisterone