Recognize the characteristics of cervical cancer discharge

Before it gets worse, cervical cancer usually shows early symptoms. You should not ignore the early symptoms of cervical cancer so that early detection can be done. From a series of initial symptoms, abnormal vaginal discharge is one of the signs. What are the characteristics of vaginal discharge that indicate cervical cancer?

What is excess vaginal discharge, including the characteristics of cervical cancer?

Basically, the amount of vaginal discharge varies from person to person. Some are a lot, some are a little. This means that if you experience a lot of vaginal discharge, it does not necessarily indicate that you have cervical cancer. Especially if everyday, the vaginal discharge you experience is quite a lot.

Although it is natural, many women wonder whether the vaginal discharge they experience is still reasonable or should be watched out for because it is one of the characteristics of certain conditions, such as symptoms of cervical cancer.

Generally, the vagina will produce fluid regularly as a sign that these reproductive organs are working properly.

Periodically, the vagina secretes this natural fluid to clean the "body" area. Besides functioning to moisturize, the normal vaginal discharge that comes out of the vagina also acts as a lubricant and maintains vaginal health.

By doing so, it is hoped that this female area can be protected from viruses, bacteria, and irritants. However, you should be vigilant if your vaginal discharge starts to show abnormal signs.

The sign is quite easy too. To distinguish whether your vaginal discharge is normal or not, you can observe the color, consistency, volume, and smell that appears. Is there any difference between the usual vaginal discharge.

Also pay attention to other symptoms you may experience, before or after discharge. Abnormal vaginal discharge could be a sign you have cervical cancer. However, that does not mean you will definitely have cervical cancer if the vaginal discharge is abnormal.

Various characteristics of vaginal discharge due to cervical cancer

As reported by the Mayo Clinic page, most abnormal vaginal discharge is usually caused by infection (such as a fungal or bacterial infection) and non-infection. The causes of non-infectious discharge are usually related to the presence of a foreign body or other disease, such as cervical cancer.

The sooner the vaginal discharge is recognized as a sign of cervical cancer, the sooner early detection can be done to increase the chances of a cure. Here are some of the characteristics of vaginal discharge due to cervical cancer.

1. Brownish vaginal discharge

One of the characteristics of vaginal discharge due to cervical cancer is a brownish vaginal discharge. As previously explained, vaginal discharge will be considered normal if it is colorless, aka clear, or at least milky white.

However, different from normal, the sign of vaginal discharge due to cervical cancer is actually brownish in color. This abnormal vaginal discharge is caused by the growth of fibroid tissue and other abnormal tissues in the reproductive system.

In this case, the abnormal tissue grows and develops in the cervix, triggering the production of vaginal discharge that is brownish in color.

2. Leucorrhoea comes out with blood

Over time, brownish vaginal discharge can become more severe and produce blood. Usually, a slightly bright red color will appear with vaginal discharge, but it is different from menstrual blood.

The reason is, the blood that comes out with this vaginal discharge usually appears after you experience menopause, or between menstrual periods.

Leucorrhoea accompanied by blood due to cervical cancer appears due to a piece of tissue called necrotic in the cervix.

The cut then comes out with fluid from a growing tumor in the cervix.

3. The discharge smells bad

Apart from having an appearance that looks abnormal, the characteristics of vaginal discharge due to cervical cancer are usually accompanied by an unpleasant odor.

The smell you feel is not the typical vaginal discharge smell in general, but rather a stench that is quite pungent. The occurrence of this condition can be due to the cells in the cervix or cervix not getting enough oxygen.

As a result, these cells may not be able to survive, eventually dying and infecting the tumor. This infection then causes a foul and unpleasant odor.

4. The amount of vaginal discharge increases

As previously mentioned, everyone has a different amount of vaginal discharge. Abnormal vaginal discharge itself is determined by several things, such as the menstrual cycle, breastfeeding, pregnancy, to being experiencing sexual stimulation.

However, it is important to note when the amount of vaginal discharge tends to be more and different than usual. This can indicate that you are experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge which is a sign of cervical cancer.

Especially if the increase in the amount of vaginal discharge is accompanied by other signs of cervical cancer mentioned above.

When to see a doctor if cervical cancer features appear?

Indeed, any changes that occur in a woman's reproductive system can also affect the production of natural fluids from the vagina, aka vaginal discharge.

Starting from the result of an imbalance in the number of bacteria in the vagina, as well as the development of abnormal cells in the female organs, one of which is the cervix.

You should not delay to immediately see a doctor, when you experience the above abnormal vaginal discharge characteristics, which can be a symptom of cervical cancer.

The doctor will usually check your health condition first, as well as ask a number of things related to the condition of the vaginal discharge you are experiencing.

Some questions may include since when the abnormal vaginal discharge that may be a feature of cervical cancer began to appear, what it smells, its color, and possibly the thickness.

In addition to finding out the cause of abnormal vaginal discharge that may be a feature of cervical cancer, this examination also aims to confirm the possibility of developing cervical cancer cells.

If you think it leads to cervical cancer, the doctor may order a pap smear test, IVA examination, and detection of other cervical cancer.

The results of these tests will later help show whether there is really a growth of cancer cells in your cervix. Thus, the doctor can determine further tests or cervical cancer treatment to treat this condition as early as possible.

In addition, the doctor will certainly advise you to adopt a healthy lifestyle, starting from maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding foods that can cause cervical cancer.