Postmenopausal Bleeding May Point to Ovarian Cancer

Amy Weirick, a 60-year-old woman, sought a second opinion after her doctor said that her postmenopausal bleeding was nothing to be worried about. It turns out she had a rare type of ovarian cancer.

Weirick, a public relations professional, told TODAY that she was lucky, but other than luck, it was good that she stayed on it and did not simply let it go. Merely keeping an eye on ovarian cancer is not a good thing.

The 60-year-old mom from Columbus, Ohio, experienced bleeding as if she had her period again. According to Weirick, it felt like a period with the clotting and all, but being menopause for a decade, it was not expected. She felt a weird kind of pelvic congestion, and she got exhausted upon coming home when she could stay up late doing various home improvement projects during the months before the bleeding.

Negative for Cervical Cancer

When she went to her OB-GYN, her results showed that she was negative for cervical cancer and was told she was okay. She felt that they were nonchalant about her condition. When she asked why she was bleeding, her doctor said they didn't know.

Weirick knew that postmenopausal bleeding was a problem because she had an ovarian cancer friend. Her friend was in touch with an oncologist, and she asked that friend to refer her to a new doctor. Her friend got her an appointment with a gynecologist oncologist, and initially, she felt that she needed not to see another doctor. However, her friend insisted on a second opinion.

A gynecologist oncologist at the Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center - The James, Dr. Larry Copeland, observed her condition and conducted tests. Weirick was concerned that she would be wasting Dr. Copeland's time if it were not cancer. However, Dr. Copeland said that it's his job to assume it is cancer until proven. Dr. Copeland recommended a hysterectomy for Amy. According to the National Health Service, a hysterectomy removes the womb, which is more common among women aged 40 to 50. The gynecologist's oncologist also recommended oophorectomy, which removes the ovaries.

Ovarian Cancer

The doctors found a cyst about the size of a peanut in M&Ms. It was called a granulosa tumor, which meant Amy had ovarian cancer. This type of ovarian cancer is rare and comprises only 1 or 2% of all ovarian cancers. Granulosa tumor is a very slow-growing cancer but tends to come back. According to Dr. Copeland in a report in Yahoo News, ovarian cancer symptoms can be quite subtle and may vary per person. However, although some symptoms can be confused with constipation, diarrhea, or joint or abdominal discomfort, these persist or are more prolonged than usual. In addition, postmenopausal bleeding is never expected, according to Dr. Copeland.