Abnormal vaginal bleeding is any bleeding apart from the cyclical menstrual bleeding in frequency, amount or timing. It is scientifically referred to as abnormal uterine bleeding. A large proportion, over 30%, of women experience it in their lifetime.
Most of the time it is because of benign conditions and not cancer. Common causes being:
- hormonal fluctuations
- polycystic ovarian disease, PCOD
- mid-cycle spotting
- infections, including sexually transmitted infections
- benign uterine or cervical polyps or
- fibroids
- medications like blood thinners or hormonal pills or intra-uterine devices or hormone replacement therapy
What kind of gynaecological cancers can cause abnormal bleeding and how?
Bleeding during or after sex: cervical cancer or vaginal cancer can cause bleeding during or after sex. This kind of post-coital bleeding can also be seen in pre-invasive lesions of the cervix.
Post-menopausal bleeding: Any post-menopausal bleeding should be looked at with suspicion and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Although, majority turn out to be benign, but endometrial cancer, cervical cancer or vaginal cancer can all be associated with postmenopausal bleeding.
Prolonged or heavy bleeding during periods:Although mostly caused by hormonal imbalance or benign conditions like polyps or fibroids, endometrial cancer needs to be ruled out. Increasingly, endometrial cancer is being seen in the younger population.
If you are experiencing an abnormal bleeding, it is important to seek professional help to rule out cancer as one of the differentials. It is important to journal episodes of abnormal bleeding and present it in a methodical manner to the doctor. Importance of a good history cannot be overstated. Your healthcare professional will conduct certain tests including physical examination and imaging tests. Depending on what comes in imaging, further biopsy or surgical management may be required.
While it may be frustrating to experience an abnormal bleeding, it’s important to have a conversation with a healthcare professional for the same as an early diagnosis can lead to effective management.