A long-term user of cosmetic cream containing estrogen developed breast cancer and endometrial hyperplasia

Menopause. 2008 Nov-Dec;15(6):1191-2. doi: 10.1097/gme.0b013e318172847d.

Abstract

A 93-year-old woman was referred to our clinic for abnormal genital bleeding. It was found that she had endometrial hyperplasia and breast cancer. Her uterus was as large as that of a normal adult menstruating woman. She indicated that she had been applying cosmetic cream containing a low concentration of ethynylestradiol to her face and body three times a day for 75 years. It is possible that this long-term use of the ethynylestradiol-containing cream is related to the development of breast cancer and endometrial hyperplasia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Breast Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Cosmetics / adverse effects*
  • Endometrial Hyperplasia / etiology*
  • Estrogens / administration & dosage
  • Estrogens / adverse effects*
  • Ethinyl Estradiol / administration & dosage
  • Ethinyl Estradiol / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans

Substances

  • Cosmetics
  • Estrogens
  • Ethinyl Estradiol