Analysis of the pathogenesis of postmenopausal bleeding in 236 cases

AIM: To investigate the pathogenesis of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB). METHODS: The cause and pathologic features in 236 cases of biopsy,curettage and/or hysterectomy due to postmenopausal bleeding were analyzed. RESULTS: The main causes of PMB were malignant tumors (18.6%), benign diseases (47.5%) and nonorganic diseases (33.9%). Histopathological examination revealed proliferous endometrium in 56 cases, secretory endometrium in 8 cases, atrophic endometrium in 16 cases, inflammatory endometrium in 16 cases, polypus endometrium in 4 cases and malignant endometrium in 12 cases. Cervical and endometrial cancers were common among the malignant cases. The incidence of malignant tumor is higher in senile women with longer duration of menopause (5 years). CONCLUSION: More attention should be paid to PMB patients. Routine gynecologic and necessary ancillary examinations can identify the cause of PMB and early diagnosis and treatment will help patients to get better prognosis.