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How alarming is post-coital bleeding--a cytologic, colposcopic and histopathologic evaluation
R Shalini1, S Amita, M A Neera
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital and University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India.
Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation
|June 13, 1998
Summary
Post-coital bleeding (PCB) evaluation in 110 patients revealed that while most cases had benign findings, a significant percentage showed cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) or invasive cancer. Older age was associated with invasive cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Post-coital bleeding (PCB) is a concerning symptom requiring thorough investigation.
- Colposcopy and cytology are key diagnostic tools for evaluating PCB and identifying cervical abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the causes of post-coital bleeding (PCB) in patients presenting to a colposcopy clinic.
- To correlate patient demographics and bleeding characteristics with histopathological findings, including cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive cancer.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 110 patients over a 2-year period.
- Evaluation included cytology, colposcopy, and directed biopsy for colposcopy-positive cases.
- Correlation of age, parity, and duration of PCB with histopathological outcomes.
Main Results:
- 85.5% of patients had benign findings; 5.6% had viral HPV and CIN 1; 3.6% had CIN 2-3; 5.5% had invasive cancer.
- Vascular ectopy was the most common benign finding.
- Mean age of invasive cancer patients (41.3 years) was significantly higher than benign cases (32.9 years).
Conclusions:
- While benign causes are most frequent, PCB can indicate significant cervical pathology including CIN and invasive cancer.
- Age is a significant risk factor for invasive cervical cancer in patients with PCB.
- Further investigation is crucial for patients presenting with post-coital bleeding.