Differential Diagnosis for Vaginal Discharge with Mucus and Blood
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cervicitis: This is the most likely diagnosis, as cervicitis is a common condition that can cause vaginal discharge with mucus and blood. It is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vaginal Yeast Infection: A yeast infection can cause a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, but it can also cause a thinner, more watery discharge with some blood.
- Bacterial Vaginosis: This is a bacterial infection that can cause a thin, white or gray discharge with a fishy odor, and may also cause some bleeding.
- Menstrual Irregularities: Abnormal uterine bleeding, such as metrorrhagia or menorrhagia, can cause vaginal bleeding with mucus.
- Endometrial Hyperplasia: This is a condition where the lining of the uterus grows too thick, which can cause irregular vaginal bleeding with mucus.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cervical Cancer: Although less common, cervical cancer can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding with mucus, and it is essential to rule out this diagnosis with a Pap smear and/or biopsy.
- Endometrial Cancer: This type of cancer can also cause irregular vaginal bleeding with mucus, and it is crucial to consider this diagnosis in postmenopausal women or those with risk factors.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID is a serious infection that can cause pelvic pain, fever, and abnormal vaginal discharge with blood, and it requires prompt treatment to prevent long-term complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Vaginal Cancer: This is a rare type of cancer that can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding with mucus, but it is much less common than cervical or endometrial cancer.
- Tuberculosis: In rare cases, tuberculosis can infect the genital tract and cause abnormal vaginal bleeding with mucus.
- Schistosomiasis: This is a parasitic infection that can cause genital lesions and abnormal vaginal bleeding with mucus, but it is rare in most parts of the world.