Pathophysiology is the study of changes in the normal functions of the organism due to a disease or an abnormal syndrome. These mechanical, physical and biochemical functions are actually symptoms of the disease and are essential in diagnosing the condition or in developing or establishing treatment.

In cervical cancer, pathophysiology is also very important and talks to us about origins and grow patterns in the cancer. Cervical cancer develops usually from dysplasia, a premalignant lesion and transforms into invasive carcinoma. This however happens within several years and can follow very complex and different growing patterns in every case. The ulcerative growth pattern is the one most closely linked to seropurulent discharge from the vagina which can complicate the cancer through infections. This particular symptom is an important element in cervical cancer pathophysiology. Cervical cancer tumors can cause leukorrhea, which is the name for this manifestation of the disease and leads to white vaginal discharge.



Leukorrheic discharge, also known as vaginitis, can be a symptom for many local or systemic disorders not just cervical cancer. This may occur in almost all women at one point in their lives. The most common cause is however a simple infection in the reproduction tract. Apart from tumors also estrogen, psychic stimulation, inflammation and estrogen depletion can cause leukorrhea.

Vaginal mucus can be a normal thing to live with but if it is accompanied by discomfort and local distressing symptoms it should be considered abnormal and tests should follow.

Diagnosing leukorrhea as well as the accurate indication of its cause can be done through cytologic study of a smear of vaginal secretion. This is indicated as a regular test for all patients who are sexually active and especially for those suspected of cancer. Cytologic study of a smear of vaginal secretion can be a precious indicator of cancer, trichomonada, candida and other organisms that can sometimes rule out cancer.



The treatment can vary a lot depending of course on the cause of the discharge, cause that is in fact the main disease implicated in the process. General treatment includes using internal menstrual tampons to reduce odor and to eliminate vulvar soiling. Sexual intercourse should be postponed until a cure or a final diagnosis has been obtained. Ask your doctor about what you are recommended to do and not to do during treatment. In some cases the doctor might tell you that your partner requires treatment as well so it is essential to be honest about your suspicions with your partner. This is not the case if cancer is the cause but even cancer too can be incidentally accompanied by some other disorders like trichomonal and candida infections which are transmitted through intercourse.

Other types of procedures include cauterization, cryosurgery or conization of the cervix. In the case or cervical cancer leparotomy, irradiation or another treatment your doctor recommends are usually necessary.