Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms: Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

What Can Abnormal Bleeding Mean?

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom experienced by women when they have a gynecologic cancer. It is important to know that abnormal vaginal bleeding can be caused bu other benign conditions, so it is imperitive to be seen by a doctor!

The symptom of abnormal vaginal bleeding is linked to:

• Cervical cancer
  
• Uterine cancer
  
• Ovarian Cancer

What is Considered Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding?

There are several instance in which vaginal bleeding would be considered abnormal.

• Heavy Periods
  Heavy periods lasting more than two cycles needs to be reported to your doctor. Uterine and endometrial cancer both cause heavy vaginal bleeding. Sudden, heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks at least one pad every hour for 24 hours needs to be reported to a physician immediately.
  
  
• Bleeding Between Periods
  Heavy spotting, or an additional cycle in a month that occurs for more than two cycles should be evaluated by a doctor.
  
  
• Bleeding During or After Sex or Douching
  Bleeding after sex and douching are both symptoms of cervical and vaginal cancer. This type of vaginal bleeding also needs to be reported to a physician.

Other Causes of Vaginal Bleeding

Abnormal vaginal bleeding can be caused by a number of reason, such as:

• Fibroid tumors[br/
• Oral contraceptive use
  
• cervicitis
  
• polyps

More About Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Top 10 Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Do I Have Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding



_{Source: Merc Online Medical Library. Menstrual Disorders and Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding; http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch244/ch244a.html}