Journal of Women's Health Care
Open Access

Is it Possible for Ovarian Cancer to Cause Vaginal Discharge?

Akram Hussain^{* *}Correspondence: Akram Hussain, Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre, Square Hospitals Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Email:

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Introduction

Vaginal discharge can be caused by ovarian cancer, but it can also be caused by a variety of other reasons and situations. Ovarian cancer is a group of disorders that begin in the ovaries or corresponding areas of the fallopian tubes and peritoneum and result in the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in the body.

The ovaries, which are located in the pelvis on either side of the uterus, generate hormones and eggs for reproduction. The fallopian tubes are a pair of long, slender tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus on either side of the uterus. The peritoneum is the lining that surrounds the abdominal organs.

Constipation, bloating, and stomach, back, or pelvic discomfort are common signs of ovarian cancer. The most prevalent type of ovarian cancer that causes vaginal discharge is stromal or germ cell tumours. When a doctor diagnoses ovarian cancer early on, the treatment is often more effective [1].

Can ovarian cancer cause discharge?

Ovarian cancer can cause vaginal discharge. However, several other factors can also cause this symptom, so a person should not assume they have ovarian cancer if they notice vaginal discharge.

Vaginal discharge is a common symptom of certain types of ovarian cancer, especially at the start of cancer, but not all. Epithelial ovarian cancer, the most common type, rarely causes vaginal discharge or bleeding, but germ cell and stromal cancers can.

If cancer lacks oxygen, some cells may die off and infect the tumor, causing a foul-smelling vaginal discharge [2].

Ovarian Cancer Discharge Color : The vaginal discharge ovarian cancer can cause is often clear, white, or colored with blood. Normal discharge is usually milky white or thin and clear and typically has no odor. It may also be clear or brown at different stages of a person’s menstrual cycle.

What is abnormal vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a mucus-like fluid that the small glands in the cervix and vagina secrete. This fluid leaks from the vagina daily to remove debris and old cells, keeping the vagina and reproductive tract clean.

The amount, color, and consistency of vaginal discharge can vary from one person to another.

A person’s discharge is typically normal if it is:

• Without odor

• Thick and sticky

• White or clear

• Wet and slippery

Vaginal discharge may be a symptom of infection if it is:

• Foul-smelling, such as with a fishy odor

• Yellow, green, or frothy

• Thick and white like cottage cheese

An infection may also be present if the vaginal discharge occurs with bleeding, pelvic pain, or blisters and sores.

Causes

Besides certain types of ovarian cancer, various factors may cause abnormal vaginal discharge.

Factors that may cause abnormal vaginal discharge during childhood include:

• Chemicals from soaps or bubble baths

• An infection resulting from bacteria from the digestive tract

• A foreign object, such as a toy or toilet paper, in the vagina

• Factors that may cause abnormal vaginal discharge during adulthood include:

• infections such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or a yeast infection

• Sexually transmitted infections (stis) such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea [3].

The growth of harmful bacteria may also result from a rise in acidity in the vagina, which kills protective bacteria called lactobacilli. This can occur because of vaginal infections due to:

• Difficulty maintaining adequate hygiene

• Using antibiotics

• Frequent douching

• Semen or menstrual blood

• Diabetes

• Pregnancy

• A foreign object, such as a tampon

In rare cases, people may have fistulas or abnormal openings between the intestine and the genital tract. These can cause vaginal discharge, which may also contain stool.

Fistulas may result from:

• Crohn’s disease

• Damage to the vagina during childbirth

• Tumors in the pelvis

• Radiation therapy on the pelvis

• An injury during surgery on the pelvis

Other ovarian cancer symptoms

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Pressure or pain in the pelvic area

• Pain the back or abdomen

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause

• Feeling full too quickly

• Bloating

• A change in bathroom habits, such as frequently urinating or having constipation [4].

• Symptoms may also include:

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Pain during vaginal sex

• Difficulty breathing

• A build-up of fluid in the abdomen

• A build-up of fluid between the tissues that line the lungs and the chest

References

1. Li XF, Tan YN, Cao Y, Xu JH, Zheng S, Yuan Y. A case report of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and perforation during apatinib treatment of gastric cancer. Med. 2015;94(39).
2. Burger RA, Brady MF, Bookman MA, Fleming GF, Monk BJ, Huang H, et al. Incorporation of bevacizumab in the primary treatment of ovarian cancer. New Eng J Med. 2011;365(26):2473-83.
3. JaysonGC,KohnEC,KitchenerHC,LedermannJA.Ovariancancer.TheLancet.2014;384(9951):1376-88.
4. Torre LA, Bray F, Siegel RL, Ferlay J, Lortet-Tieulent J, Jemal A. Global cancer statistics, 2012. CA Cancer J Clin. 2015;65:87-108.