Diethylstilbestrol dilaurate
Diethylstilbestrol dilaurate (pronunciation: dye-eth-il-stil-bes-trol di-lau-rate) is a synthetic, nonsteroidal estrogen that was formerly used in the treatment of certain medical conditions, but has been discontinued due to its potential health risks.
Etymology
The term "Diethylstilbestrol" is derived from the chemical structure of the compound, which consists of two (di-) ethyl groups attached to a stilbene molecule. The term "dilaurate" refers to the presence of two laurate (a type of fatty acid) molecules.
Medical Uses
Diethylstilbestrol dilaurate was primarily used as an estrogen replacement in postmenopausal women. It was also used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer and prostate cancer. However, its use has been discontinued due to the discovery of serious health risks associated with its use.
Health Risks
Studies have shown that exposure to diethylstilbestrol can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including vaginal cancer and cervical cancer in women, and testicular cancer in men. It can also cause reproductive problems and birth defects in children born to women who were exposed to the drug during pregnancy.
Related Terms
- Estrogen: A group of hormones that play an important role in the normal sexual and reproductive development in women.
- Breast cancer: A type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts.
- Prostate cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
- Vaginal cancer: A rare cancer that occurs in the vagina.
- Cervical cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
- Testicular cancer: Cancer that occurs in the testicles, the male reproductive glands located in the scrotum.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Diethylstilbestrol dilaurate
- Wikipedia's article - Diethylstilbestrol dilaurate
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