What Colour Is Cervical Cancer Discharge?
Not all vaginal discharge is normal—changes in colour, smell or consistency can signal cervical cancer. Here’s what to watch for, along with when to seek medical advice.
How Cervical Cancer Affects Discharge
- Discharge may become watery, bloody or brown as cancer cells break down 🩸:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- Foul-smelling or necrotic discharge often appears in advanced stages due to tumour tissue decay and infection :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- It may soak underwear and persist between periods :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Common Abnormal Discharge Colours
- Brown or bloody: Could be from spotting, lesions or invasive cells :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Watery or pale yellow: Often continuous and heavy — may accompany early symptoms :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Green or yellow-green: Often foul-smelling and may suggest infection alongside cancer :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Grey discharge: Rare, but may signal necrosis or very advanced disease :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
Why It Happens
- Broken blood vessels from tumours bleed into cervical mucus :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- Tumour cell breakdown leads to foul odour and tissue fragments in discharge :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Treatment such as radiation or chemo may cause temporary discharge changes and local infection :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
Other Signs That Accompany Discharge
- Abnormal bleeding—especially after sex, between periods, or post-menopause :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Pelvic pain, discomfort during sex, and lower-back pain :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
- Leg swelling, urinary or bowel changes may indicate advanced disease :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
- Signs like weight loss and fatigue may also appear :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
Normal vs. Suspicious Discharge
- Normal colours: Clear, white or light yellow—with no odour and consistent with menstrual cycle :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
- Odd colours or smells: Brown, grey, green or heavy odour require medical review :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical help if you experience:
- Unusual coloured discharge—especially with a strong smell or blood.
- Bleeding between periods or after sex.
- Persistent pelvic pain or sexual discomfort.
- Swelling, urinary or bowel problems, unexplained weight loss.
How Cervical Cancer Is Diagnosed
- Pap smear: Routine screening from age 21–25 catches early cell changes :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
- HPV testing: Detects high-risk virus strains linked to cancer :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
- Colposcopy & biopsy: Visual exam with tissue sampling confirms diagnosis :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
- Imaging: MRI or CT scans used in advanced cases to assess spread.
Treatment Options
- Surgery (conisation, hysterectomy) removes cancerous tissue.
- Radiation + chemo for more advanced or persistent cases.
- Targeted treatment based on stage and spread—for example, pelvic exenteration in late stages :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
FAQs
1. Can discharge alone indicate cervical cancer?
Not usually—it's the combination of symptoms (bleeding, pain, odour) that is most concerning. Still, any unusual discharge should be checked.
2. Can benign conditions mimic these colours?
Yes. Infections, polyps or cervical ectropion can cause similar discharge—medical assessment distinguishes them accurately :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
3. Does treatment change discharge permanently?
Discharge often normalises post-treatment. Radiation may cause temporary changes like watery or odorous discharge that usually resolves :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
4. How quickly should I act?
If unusual discharge lasts more than 2 weeks or is accompanied by bleeding or pain, see your GP without delay.
5. How can I support my health?
Stay up to date with cervical screening. Practice safe sex and report any unusual symptoms—early detection saves lives.
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Final Thought
While most coloured discharge has benign causes, persistent brown, grey, green or bloody discharge—especially with odour, pain or bleeding—must be assessed promptly. Regular Pap smears and HPV testing are your best defence. Don’t wait—your body knows best.