Postmenopausal bleeding: etiology, evaluation, and management.

Postmenopausal bleeding can be an alarming symptom for both the patient and the physician because, although in a majority of these cases no pathology is present, the risk of malignancy must be considered. It is important for the physician to fully understand the pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and the methods of evaluating and treating this disorder in order to ensure the health and comfort of the patient.