Mar 23, 2009 5:55 am US/Pacific
Dr. Mallika's Files: Case Of Unexpected Bleeding
(CBS)
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Mallika Marshall, M.D., shares experiences highlighting medical cases.
WBZ
Dr. Mallika Marshall is the medical reporter for CBS station WBZ-TV in Boston and a regular contributor to the CBS Early Show. Trained as both a pediatrician and internist, Marshall currently treats patients at an urgent care clinic near Boston. Names and identifiable characteristics of patients have been omitted or changed to protect patient privacy.
This Week's Case:
A 67-year-old woman comes to clinic saying that she noticed one episode of vaginal spotting a few days ago. The bleeding has stopped, but she is concerned. She has not had a period for the past 20 years. She denies any pain. She is sexually active with her husband of forty years. She is otherwise healthy and feels well.
Discussion:
Vaginal bleeding after menopause is not normal and should always be evaluated. It could be caused by fibroids, trauma, medication side effects, or underlying conditions like thyroid disease. But it could also be the first sign of cancer, like that of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, or vagina.
If you haven't had your period for over 12 months and suddenly notice even light spotting, you need to see your doctor sooner rather than later.
Follow-up:
The patient was referred to a gynecologist and after further testing was found to Stage 1
Endometrial Cancer (cancer of the uterus). Because she sought medical care right away, the cancer was caught in the earliest stages. She underwent a hysterectomy and recovered without any complications. She is now considered "cancer-free".
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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