My father was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer.  He has been receiving radiation and chemo to try and shrink the tumor so that it can be removed. Among other issues he just recently in the last three days started with a milky white discharge and a horrific foul smell. Is this common?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. No, this is not common. Foul smelling discharge in rectal cancer patient suggest infection at tumor site. Chemotherapy makes patient immunocompromised. So chances of infection are high in these patients. Radiotherapy weakens local defense system. So both these make patient prone to infection. So better to get done culture and sensitivity report of discharge. Culture report will isolate the causative organism and sensitivity report will guide you better about effective antibiotic treatment. He needs antibiotics. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your father. Thanks.