POSTMENOPAUSAL BLEEDING: CAUSES AND RISK OF GENITAL TRACT MALIGNANCY

Authors

  • Nasira Sabiha Dawood
  • Kiran Peter
  • Faiza Ibrar
  • Asif Dawood

Abstract

Background: Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) is bleeding occurring after 6–12 months ofamenorrhea in a woman of age where the menopause can be expected. Objectives of this study wereto ascertain various causes and prevalence of genital organ malignancy in patients presenting withpostmenopausal bleeding. Methods: A prospective observational study carried out in the Departmentof Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi comprising of 167consecutive cases presenting with postmenopausal bleeding one year after menopause. Womenhaving undergone hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, receiving radiotherapy orchemotherapy, suffered trauma to the genital tract, having coagulation disorder or on anticoagulantor hormone replacement therapy were excluded. Detailed history was obtained and a thoroughclinical examination was conducted. Data were entered into hospital computer database (Medix™)system. Mean±SD were calculated for age, percentage was calculated for types of histopathologicalfindings. Results: The commonest cause of PMB was atrophic endometritis and vaginitis 33(21.2%). Overall incidence of various genital tract malignancies was 25 (16.0%). Conclusion: Theoverall incidence of genital tract malignancies in patients presenting with PMB is high (16.0%),therefore, it needs to be taken seriously and requires prompt and thorough investigations.Keywords: Bleeding, postmenopausal, female genital tract, malignancies, prevalence, aetiology

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Published

2010-06-01

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