Can vulvar lichen sclerosus turn into cancer?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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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 Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 19sec home-news-image

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
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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 Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can vulvar lichen sclerosus turn into cancer?

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 Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is good to eat for vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Vulvar leukoplakia causes white lesions on the vulva, mainly manifesting as itching, increased discharge, and pain. It is one of the most common diseases in women, possibly caused by poor hygiene and a decrease in immunity. It is recommended to use medication or physical therapy for treatment. Pay attention to the hygiene of the vulva, change underwear frequently, and keep the area clean. Diet should also be light, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and it is best to avoid eating potentially allergenic foods like shrimp and crab.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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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.