HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL BLEEDING

Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) requires complete assessment in order to ensure the absence of malignancy and to identify and treat high risk patients such as those with endometrial hyperplasia. This is a prospective cohort study of 207 patients admitted over the period 2013 and May 2014 to the Obstetric Gynecologic University Hospital “Queen Geraldine”, in Tirana, Albania. The aim of this study was to describe aetiological factors of postmenopausal bleeding. Of the 207 cases who presented with this symptom 131 (64%) found to have genital tract pathology. Of these pathologies 87% were benign while 13% were malignant. Patients at 55-64 years of age were the mostly affected women by postmenopausal bleeding whether due to benign or malignant pathology (50.4%). Endometrial atrophy was the most frequent benign pathology found (43%). Others include endometrial hyperplasia (10.5%), endometrial polyp (12.3%), cervical ectropion (9.6%), vaginal ulcer (7.9%), cervical polyp (7%), cervicitis (6.1%), and cervical dysplasia (3.5%). After a thorough evaluation for PMB and arrival at a diagnosis, the question arises as to what to do next. For women with cervical or endometrial cancer, prompt referral to the gynaecological oncology service is imperative for definitive management.