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 Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 19sec

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Is the heritability of vulvar lichen sclerosus high?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus has a hereditary tendency, but the chances of inheritance are not high. The formation of vulvar lichen sclerosus is generally related to the individual's nutritional status and vulvar care. The main causes of vulvar lichen sclerosus are poor nutrition in the vulvar area, usually in patients with improper vulvar care, or patients with some other diseases, who exhibit significant vulvar itching. At this time, it is generally necessary to go to the hospital for a diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. If it is vulvar lichen sclerosus, it is mostly benign, with very few cases having a tendency to malignant transformation. Therefore, patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus must go to the hospital for a diagnosis and then receive treatment based on the examination results. There is no specific effective medication for this treatment, which belongs to a category of complex gynecological conditions. The effectiveness of this treatment is not very good, achieving relief from itching is already considered quite good. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, do not self-medicate.)

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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 Jia Rui

Obstetrics and Gynecology

37sec

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Is vulvar lichen sclerosus contagious?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is non-contagious and cannot be cross-infected, but it is hereditary and can skip generations. Additionally, it is important to maintain hygiene during sexual intercourse, preferably using condoms, as this is beneficial for the condition. Furthermore, regular physical exercise should be undertaken to enhance the body's resistance and immunity. It is important to keep the area clean and dry, avoid using soap or irritating substances for cleansing the vulva, and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods.

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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.