Does yellow discharge necessarily mean cervical cancer?
Mar 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Introduction
Yellow discharge refers to yellowish secretions from the female reproductive tract, which may be caused by cervical cancer or other conditions. As cervical cancer progresses, the cervical tumor enlarges, leading to tissue necrosis and secondary infection, resulting in abnormal vaginal discharge. It can also occur shortly after menstruation or due to trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, cervicitis, fallopian tube cancer, or endometrial cancer.
Yellowish discharge usually refers to yellow secretions from the female reproductive tract, which may be caused by cervical cancer or other underlying conditions.
In the early stages, cervical cancer generally does not present obvious symptoms. As the disease progresses and cervical tumors gradually enlarge, they can lead to tissue necrosis. When necrotic tissue becomes secondarily infected, it causes abnormal vaginal discharge, resulting in changes in the color and odor of leukorrhea, often becoming a watery, serous secretion.
Besides cervical cancer, such discharge may also occur during the transitional phase immediately after menstruation. Additionally, conditions such as trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, cervicitis, or cancers of the fallopian tubes or endometrium may also cause yellowish vaginal discharge.
Therefore, when experiencing yellowish vaginal discharge, individuals should seek timely medical evaluation. Comprehensive examinations—including gynecological examination, cervical cancer screening, vaginal secretion analysis, and ultrasound—should be performed to determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
