Implications of vulvar lichen sclerosus in post-menopausal women

M. Tampa, C. Matei, A. Limbău, S. Georgescu

Abstract: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a muco-cutaneous condition that occurs often in women at post-menopausal age, affecting preferentially the genital, labial and perianal areas. VLS has a typical pattern, being characterized by intensive pruritus.VLS patients have an extremely high risk of itchting, scarring of external genitalia and development of squamous cell carcinoma in the affected areas. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g. pimecrolimus) may be a safe and effective alternative treatment, being able to circumvent the risk of steroid-induced vulvar atrophy. The histopathological aspect is specific leading to basal cell degeneration, and chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Treatment of VLS usually is long-term follow-up and is based on local potent corticosteroids in contrast with surgical treatment which is rarely indicated. Considering the risks and complications of both the disease and its treatment, a multidisciplinary approach in monitoring the condition should be taken into account.
DOI:10.18643/gieu.2014.111

Keywords: vulvar, lichen sclerosis, genital, squamos cell carcinoma, ageing.