Causes and Diagnosis of Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Pediatr Ann. 2015 Jul;44(7):e164-7. doi: 10.3928/00904481-20150710-09.

Abstract

Abnormal vaginal bleeding in a postmenarchal adolescent patient is most often related to dysfunctional uterine bleeding. However, there are other potential etiologies, including hematologic disorders, infections, and oncologic problems. We present a 12-year-old girl who presented with prolonged vaginal bleeding and was ultimately diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. In this article, we discuss the approach to a patient with vaginal bleeding along with a more in-depth review of risk stratification in rhabdomyosarcoma, including treatment options such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal / diagnosis*
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal / drug therapy
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal / radiotherapy
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Uterine Neoplasms / radiotherapy