Had Hysterectomy Done. Now Experiencing Yellowish Discharge. Worried For Liver Or Breast Cancer

Posted on Tue, 23 Apr 2013

Question: I had a hysterectomy 12 years ago, they left part of the cervix. Suddenly in the last two weeks, I have been experiencing whitish/yellowish discharge for the first time since the operation. I have a doctors appt scheduled, but since my older sister died of liver/pancreatic cancer a year ago and my younger sister had a double masectomy two years ago I am looking for as much information as possible.

Answered by Dr. Timothy Raichle (50 minutes later)

Hello, I would be happy to help you with your question.

First of all, the problem you are describing is almost certainly unrelated to liver/pancreatic cancer OR breast cancer.

You are describing an abnormal vaginal discharge. Often this is related to either a yeast infection OR another common infection called BV (bacterial vaginosis). The most effective way to start dealing with this would be to begin an over-the-counter yeast medication / cream. If your symptoms are not better in 48 hours, then you should be seen by your doctor. If your symptoms are improving, complete an entire 7 day course of treatement.

This is a common problem in someone approaching peri-menopause. Recurrent vaginal infections are often related to recent antibiotics combined with the natural drop in estrogen levels associated with menopause.

I hope that this helps - please let me know if you have any followup questions!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Timothy Raichle (1 hour later)

I have been in menopause for 12 years. The doctors removed my uterus and ovaries at the time my son was born in 2001. I have NOT HAD ANY discharge at all until this last couple of weeks. I have no ovaries and do not take replacement Hormone Therapy. I have NEVER had this type of discharge in the last 12 years. I have no yeast infections or vaginal infections. Any other ideas on why I have discharge for the FIRST TIME after a 12 year old hysterectomy?

Answered by Dr. Timothy Raichle (2 hours later)

Thank you for the clarification. Yes, it is unusual that you have never had a problem until now, that is for sure. But an abnormal vaginal discharge is always related to some alteration in the normal bacterial environment of the vagina. If you don't want to call it an infection then don't call it an infection, but something is altered in favor of a bacteria (or yeast) that is causing this discharge. Let us say, given the 12 years of surgical menopause, that is totally unrelated to surgery.

So, the best way to treat this while you are waiting to be seen by a doctor, is to consider some kind of over-the-counter medication.

With regard to your original concerns about cancer, this is not how cancer presents. First of all you cannot get cervical, uterine or ovarian cancer. Second of all, vaginal cancer is extremely rare and would present with vaginal bleeding.

Why you have this abnormal discharge is anyones guess. Something changed over the last month to tilt the scales in favor of some bacteria or yeast. It would be quite easy to figure this out with an exam.

I wish you the best of luck!

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar