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Endometrial adenocarcinoma following insertion of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (mirena) in a 36-year-old woman
  1. J. Abu*,
  2. L. Brown and
  3. D. Ireland*
  1. * Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 5WW, United Kingdom
  2. Department of Pathology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 5WW, United Kingdom
  1. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Mr Jafaru Abu, MSc, MRCOG, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK. Email: Jafaru.abu{at}uhl-tr.nhs.uk

Abstract

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), commonly referred to as mirena, is an effective form of contraception, which is widely used as an intrauterine device. It has a 32-mm long-shaped plastic frame that holds a reservoir (on the vertical stem) of 52 mg of levonorgestrel mixed with polydimethylsiloxane to allow a steady release of 20 μg of levonorgestrel per day within the endometrial cavity through a rate-limiting surface membrane. Apart from contraceptive purpose, it is also now commonly used in the management of heavy menstrual blood loss. This study included a 36-year old woman who developed endometrial cancer following the insertion of the LNG-IUS. Her main presentation was irregular vaginal bleeding, which is a common finding in women using this form of contraception. Although we would advice caution in investigating such women, the LNG-IUS remains a relatively safe method of contraception.

  • endometroid adenocarcinoma
  • mirena

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