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Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 27 Sep 2024

Is Vaginal Discharge A Typical Symptom of Uterine Cancer? Expert Answers

Studies have estimated that around 55 of women who are diagnosed with uterine cancer report abnormal vaginal discharge before their diagnosis

Uterine cancer is among the most common cancers of the female reproductive tract, affecting millions of women across the world. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 20 million cases of this cancer are expected in the next five years. Uterine cancer begins in the uterus, or womb, and has many initial symptoms, like atypical vaginal discharge.
It is a common sign, and studies have estimated that around 55 per cent of women who are diagnosed with uterine cancer report abnormal vaginal discharge before their diagnosis.

What is vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is typically clear to milky white and often has no strong odour. If you menstruate, the color, quantity, and consistency of your vaginal discharge varies according to where you are in your periods. However, unusual vaginal discharge happens when there is a noticeable change in your vaginal discharge from what is normal for you, which includes:
  • Quantity
  • Consistency
  • Colour
  • Odour
“In the context of uterine cancer, the discharge may be watery, blood-tinged, or have a pinkish or brown color. This symptom is often associated with postmenopausal women, who should not typically experience any vaginal bleeding or discharge. For premenopausal women, any significant change from their usual menstrual cycle or intermenstrual bleeding could also be a warning sign,” Dr. Gayathri Karthik Nagesh, HOD and Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, told Times Now.
According to Dr. Nagesh, the best way to find out if the vaginal discharge is due to uterine cancer is to go ahead with a few other diagnostic evaluations like:
  • Pelvic examination
  • Pap smear tests
  • Transvaginal ultrasound
  • Colposcopy
  • Endometrial or cervical biopsy
“Early detection leads to early treatment and significantly improves the prognosis and survival rates,” she added.

What else can detect uterine cancer?

According to Dr. Nagesh, while vaginal discharge can be an indicator of uterine cancer, it is important to note that it can also result from other benign conditions such as infections or hormonal imbalances, infections, diabetes, retained tampons, etc.
And so, it is extremely important for women who experience unusual symptoms to seek urgent medical advice to procure an accurate diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment.

What else can vaginal discharge mean?

Experts say if not cancer, atypical vaginal discharge can also be due to an infection, which includes:
Bacterial vaginosis - which happens when something disrupts the usual balance of bacteria in the vagina
Vaginal yeast infections - due to an overgrowth of Candida yeast living in the vagina
Trichomoniasis - a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. Other infections that may lead to atypical vaginal discharge may include other STIs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea and genital herpes.
A few non-infectious causes of atypical vaginal discharge include:
  • Allergic reactions due to soaps or detergent
  • Foreign bodies like tampons
  • Atrophic vaginitis which leads to vaginal walls becoming thinner and dryer after menopause
  • Fistulas, form passages formed between two parts of the body, such as between the vagina and the urinary tract
  • Other cancers, like cervical or vaginal cancer

Early signs and symptoms of uterine cancer

Apart from unusual uterine bleeding, a few other signs and symptoms of uterine cancer include:
  • Heavier periods
  • Painful menstruation
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Pain in your abdomen
  • Changes in your bowel or bladder habits
  • Unexplained weight loss and reduced appetite
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