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 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

44sec

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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.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 16sec

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Which department should I go to for vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus generally visit the gynecology department of hospitals, as the diagnosis and treatment of this condition are considered a kind of complex gynecological issue. This disease generally cannot be treated in smaller hospitals, and better treatment is usually available in third-grade, class-A hospitals’ gynecology departments. The formation of vulvar lichen sclerosus is mostly due to poor nutrition of the vulva, so patients with this condition should definitely seek treatment at large, third-grade, class-A hospitals. The treatment can generally be conducted through physical methods or topical medications. During the treatment process, the majority of cases can experience symptom relief. Vulvar lichen sclerosus is generally benign, but in very rare cases, it may turn malignant. Therefore, patients with worsening conditions can undergo a biopsy in the hospital to determine if the lichen sclerosus is worsening or if there is a tendency towards vulvar cancer. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhao Li Li

Obstetrics

45sec

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Does vulvar lichen sclerosus affect pregnancy?

Normal vulvar leukoplakia does not affect pregnancy. Vulvar leukoplakia is mainly caused by long-term inflammation of the vulva, leading to abnormal proliferation of the local skin. After confirming the situation of vulvar leukoplakia, it is still necessary to treat it according to the specific nature of the vaginal secretions. Firstly, control of vaginal inflammation is necessary to reduce the incidence of vulvar leukoplakia and the tendency towards malignant diseases. If vulvar leukoplakia persists, it may lead to malignant lesions of the local skin. Therefore, appropriate treatment should be administered timely after confirmation.

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Written by Yan Qiao

Obstetrics and Gynecology

41sec

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Can lichen sclerosus cause adhesions?

One of the main symptoms of vulvar lichen sclerosus is severe vulvar itching, which may result in noticeable skin lesions, usually caused by a vicious cycle of repeated scratching. In the early stages of the disease, the skin appears dark red or pink. As the condition worsens, the lesions may appear white, and later stages include thickening of the skin, hyperpigmentation, pronounced skin texture resembling lichenoid changes, and may also present with scratches, fissures, and ulcers. If vulvar hygiene is neglected, vulvitis is likely to develop, which can easily lead to vulvar adhesions.