Can vulvar lichen sclerosus turn into cancer?

Written by Liu Jian Wei

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on September 04, 2024

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Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a condition characterized by white lesions on the vulva, which can potentially become malignant under long-term stimulation of vulvar lichen sclerosus. Currently, there are no specific effective medications for the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus clinically. If a patient notices depigmentation in the vulvar area, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention from a local hospital to confirm the diagnosis of vulvar lichen sclerosus. If necessary, a local biopsy of the vulva should be conducted to determine the presence of any malignant changes.

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Written by Yan Qiao

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 25sec

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How to restore the color of vulvar leukoplakia

The treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus is generally quite challenging. However, symptoms can be alleviated by some symptomatic treatments. Firstly, it is important to keep the affected area clean and dry. Attention should be paid to avoid spicy and allergenic foods, and not to wash the vulva with irritating drugs or soaps. Wearing non-breathable synthetic underwear should be avoided. Additionally, topical corticosteroid medications can be used to control itching. However, it takes a long time for the affected skin to show significant improvement or return to normal. If medication treatment is not sustainable or effective, local physical therapy can be recommended. This involves removing abnormal epithelial tissues locally and destroying nerve endings in the dermis, thus interrupting the vicious cycle caused by itching and scratching. For patients who do not respond to medication or physical therapy, or those with atypical hyperplasia or potential malignant changes, surgical treatment can be recommended. However, surgery is generally considered a last resort due to the possibility of long-term recurrence and significant trauma, affecting both the appearance and function of the vulva.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

38sec

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What fruits and vegetables are good for lichen sclerosus of the vulva?

Currently, there is no clear cause for vulvar lichen sclerosus, and it is not related to diet. Therefore, you can eat any fruit and vegetable with vulvar lichen sclerosus; there are no dietary restrictions. Just like usual, eat fruits and vegetables, but try to avoid cold foods. The same applies to other foods. Just make sure not to be partial to any particular type of food. Vulvar lichen sclerosus should be treated symptomatically if symptoms are present. Most of the time, treatment can be chosen from traditional Chinese medicine.

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Written by Shen Li Wen

Obstetrics and Gynecology

49sec

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What are the symptoms of vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus, also known as lichen sclerosis, is one of two conditions, the other being epithelial hyperplasia, characterized by the appearance of white patches on the vulva. Both conditions are marked by severe itching as a common symptom, though they differ in subtle ways. For instance, in the case of lichen sclerosis, the affected skin and mucous membranes become less elastic and thinner, as seen with the shrinking of the labia minora. Women may experience a burning sensation locally and pain during intercourse. When epithelial hyperplasia occurs, the local skin and mucous membranes thicken, often showing scratch marks due to extreme itching.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 4sec

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Can vulvar lichen sclerosus turn into cancer?

Patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus mostly do not have serious problems, but a very small number may develop vulvar cancer. There is a tendency towards malignant transformation, making vulvar lichen sclerosus a complicated gynecological condition. There is no specific cure for this disease, nor is there a particularly good treatment method available; the only option is to visit a hospital regularly for medication to alleviate symptoms. Therefore, as vulvar lichen sclerosus has a tendency to become malignant, if you feel discomfort, significant itching, or worsening of the condition, it is advisable to undergo a vulvar biopsy at a hospital to confirm whether there is a cancerous change. Thus, although the likelihood of cancer transformation in vulvar lichen sclerosus is not very high, it is still better for patients with this condition to seek treatment at larger hospitals.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

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Will vulvar lichen sclerosus affect pregnancy?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is mainly caused by long-term infection and inflammatory stimulation in the perineal area, leading to changes in the local skin. It generally does not greatly affect pregnancy, and normal conception is possible. However, during pregnancy, it is important to maintain local cleanliness and hygiene, and try to avoid using medication for treatment. If treatment is needed, it must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, using medication that has minimal impact on the baby. It is necessary to wash the vulva with clean water daily, and it’s important to enhance the body's immune resistance, strengthen nutrition, and promote the recovery of skin lesions.