Vaginal discharge is a common symptom of endometrial cancer, but it can be caused by many other things, too. It’s unclear exactly how many people experience discharge before being diagnosed with endometrial cancer. However, discharge is often listed as one of the symptoms of endometrial cancer.

If you’re noticing unusual vaginal discharge and you’re worried about the possibility of cancer in the lining of your uterus, the first step is to talk to your doctor. No matter the cause of abnormal discharge, they can help you understand what’s happening and guide you toward the right treatment.

Here are some facts about what discharge associated with endometrial cancer may look, feel, and smell like.

What Does Discharge Look Like With Endometrial Cancer?

There’s no single type of discharge that definitely means you have endometrial or uterine cancer. In fact, many things can cause unusual discharge. Most people who experience unusual vaginal discharge don’t end up being diagnosed with cancer. It’s unclear why endometrial cancer might cause changes to your vaginal discharge, but it’s a common symptom.

Below are descriptions of discharge that may be caused by endometrial cancer. If you notice your discharge becomes abnormal, the only way to know what’s causing it is to talk to your doctor.

Color

Discharge related to endometrial cancer can come in different colors. These include:

• Pink
• White
• Clear
• Yellow

The important thing to notice is that the discharge is different from what’s normal for you. For example, if you usually have white discharge and it has always been that way, it’s probably not a symptom of endometrial cancer. However, if you suddenly notice a lot of abnormal discharge and you’ve never had it before, you should talk to your doctor right away.

Most pink discharge is tinged with blood. You might be experiencing a bit of bleeding, but not enough to look like a full menstrual period. Your discharge might be slightly pink when you wipe it away, or it might have pink lines that look like threads in it.

Discharge from endometrial cancer can also look like pus, which is often yellow.

Texture

Just like with color, vaginal discharge linked to endometrial cancer can have different textures. It can be very thin or watery, or it might be thicker, like pus. Thin, watery discharge is more common in people who have already gone through menopause. However, as mentioned earlier, if you have any change in discharge that is different from what’s normal for you, talk to your doctor. If you haven’t experienced menopause but notice new, watery discharge, it’s important to see a health care professional rather than ignore it.

Similarly, if the texture of your discharge changes in a way not mentioned here, you should still talk to your doctor. There’s no way to know exactly how your body may respond if you develop endometrial cancer. Getting checked sooner gives you a better chance to get an early diagnosis.

Odor

Discharge caused by endometrial cancer may sometimes have a bad smell. If your discharge suddenly smells unpleasant when it didn’t before, it’s time to talk to your doctor.

Researchers are looking into a chemical called methanethiol. Methanethiol produces a foul-smelling odor that may be linked to some types of cancer, including endometrial, breast, and ovarian cancer. It’s a chemical produced when these kinds of cancer cells are growing in the human body.

It hasn’t been proved that methanethiol causes bad-smelling vaginal discharge in people with endometrial cancer. However, scientists are investigating whether testing for this chemical could help screen for certain types of cancer.

Other Health Conditions That Can Cause Discharge

Many other health conditions, most of which are treatable, can cause changes in vaginal discharge. Many of these conditions can cause changes similar to those described above.

For example, a bacterial infection or other types of inflammation in your vagina or cervix can lead to abnormal discharge. This could be caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), another type of infection, or a reaction to certain products your body is sensitive to.

Some nonmalignant (noncancerous) conditions that cause vaginal discharge can include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Vaginitis
• Yeast infection
• Trichomoniasis
• Cervicitis
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• A forgotten menstrual cup or tampon
• Sensitivity to a douche, a scented spray, or a soap

You could also have another vaginal condition, like vaginal atrophy or a vaginal fistula. Vaginal atrophy can be a symptom of menopause. Pregnancy can also cause discharge. Finally, other forms of cancer, like vaginal cancer or cervical cancer, may be linked to abnormal discharge.

Only a doctor can perform the necessary exams and tests necessary to figure out what’s causing the abnormal discharge.

Bleeding Versus Discharge

Abnormal vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge are two different things, but they can both be signs of endometrial cancer. Many women — over 90 percent — experience vaginal bleeding as a symptom of endometrial cancer.

If you’re postmenopausal and you’re bleeding, talk to your doctor right away. About 10 percent of postmenopausal people who experience bleeding are later diagnosed with endometrial cancer.

If you haven’t gone through menopause, you might notice bleeding that is heavier or more frequent than usual or heavier than usual, or you might bleed between your periods. Although this bleeding isn’t considered unusual vaginal discharge, you should talk to a health care professional if you experience any abnormal bleeding.

Talk to Your Doctor

The best way to find out what’s causing your discharge is to talk to your health care provider. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with endometrial cancer or you’re worried about changes in your discharge, make an appointment today to put your mind at ease.

Your doctor will probably start by asking you what you’re experiencing. Be sure to describe any other symptoms, such as pelvic pain or unintended weight loss. They may want to examine the discharge themselves, so don’t be surprised if they ask for permission to do so. They might perform a pelvic exam or order other tests, like imaging or a hysteroscopy, to find out exactly what’s causing your discharge.

Once your doctor knows what’s causing your discharge, they can recommend the best care for you. If you need an oncologist, they’ll help you understand your endometrial cancer treatment options. If your discharge is caused by something else, they can help you find the best treatment for that, too.

Meet Others Who Understand

On MyEndometrialCancerTeam, the site for people with endometrial cancer and their loved ones, members come together to gain a new understanding of endometrial cancer and share their stories with others who understand life with endometrial cancer.

Have you experienced unusual vaginal discharge that led to a diagnosis of endometrial cancer? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation on your Activities page.