January 17th is World Lichen Sclerosus and Vulvar Cancer Awareness Day, a day dedicated to increasing awareness of the condition worldwide.
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition which can cause the skin to become thin, white, and wrinkly – a symptom often seen in vulvar cancer. In this article we’ll discuss the signs and symptoms of lichen sclerosus, how it is diagnosed, and how vulvar cancer can be prevented as well as detected early.
What is Lichen Sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory skin condition that most often affects the vulva, but can also occur on the penis, breasts, and elsewhere on the body. The exact cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an autoimmune reaction. The condition causes the skin to thin and wrinkled, and can lead to pain, itching, and bleeding. In some cases, lichen sclerosus can also lead to vulvar cancer. Treatment for lichen sclerosus typically involves topical steroids or other immunosuppressive medications.
Symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that most often affects the vulva, but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the chest, back, or upper arms. The exact cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown, but it is thought to be an immune system disorder.
Symptoms of lichen sclerosus include:
- White patches on the skin
- Itching or burning sensation on the affected area
- Skin thinning and easy bruising
- Pain during sexual intercourse or urination
If you have any of these symptoms, please see your doctor for a diagnosis. Lichen sclerosus is treatable with medication and does not have to be a lifelong condition.
Causes of Lichen Sclerosus
The underlying cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown. However, it is thought to be an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. It is also believed to be genetic, as it tends to run in families.
There are a few theories about what may trigger the onset of lichen sclerosus. One theory is that it may be caused by a reaction to an infection or injury. Another theory is that it may be triggered by hormones, as it is more common in women who are postmenopausal or have had their ovaries removed.
It is important to note that lichen sclerosus is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that most often affects the vulva in women. It can also affect the penis in men and the skin around the anus. LS can occur at any age, but is most common in postmenopausal women.
There is no cure for LS, but it can be managed with treatments that reduce symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected area. LS is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another through sexual contact.
The first step in diagnosing LS is a thorough physical examination of the affected area. Your doctor may also order a biopsy, which is a small sample of tissue taken from the affected area for closer examination under a microscope.
Treatment for LS typically involves the use of corticosteroid creams or ointments, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. In some cases, other medications may be necessary to control symptoms or manage complications. Surgery is rarely needed to treat LS.
Vulvar Cancer Awareness and Risk Factors
Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the vulva, the external female genitalia. The vulva includes the labia, the clitoris, and the opening of the vagina.
Vulvar cancer is relatively rare, with an estimated 3,240 new cases in 2019 in the United States. However, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors for vulvar cancer, as it can often be treated successfully if caught early.
There are several types of vulvar cancer, but the most common is squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the thin layers of tissue that line the vulva. Other less common types include melanoma, adenocarcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma.
Risk factors for developing vulvar cancer include HPV infection, smoking, increasing age, a history of lichen sclerosus or other conditions that cause irritation or inflammation of the vulva, and having many sexual partners. Often, there are no symptoms in the early stages of vulvar cancer. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include itching; burning; bleeding; pain; a lump or mass in the vulva; changes in skin color or texture; and enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area.
If you experience any of these symptoms, please see your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is key to successful treatment of vulvar cancer.
Importance of Raising Awareness
Lichen sclerosus is a rare skin condition that can lead to vulvar cancer, making raising awareness about the condition and its potential consequences crucial. While lichen sclerosus most often manifests as white patches on the skin, it can also cause itching, pain, and difficulty urinating. In extreme cases, lichen sclerosus can lead to the formation of ulcers on the vulva.
Vulvar cancer is relatively rare, with an estimated 1,500 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. However, lichen sclerosus increases the risk of developing vulvar cancer by up to 30 percent. Additionally, women with lichen sclerosus are more likely to develop a more aggressive form of vulvar cancer.
Given the potential seriousness of lichen sclerosus, it is important for both medical professionals and the general public to be aware of the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment of lichen sclerosus can help prevent the development of vulvar cancer or catch it at an early stage when it is more likely to be treatable.
How to Get Involved in World Lichen Sclerosus and Vulvar Cancer Awareness Day
World Lichen Sclerosus and Vulvar Cancer Awareness Day is an annual event that raises awareness of lichen sclerosus and vulvar cancer. The day is celebrated on the first Saturday of May, and this year it falls on May 5th.
There are a number of ways you can get involved in World Lichen Sclerosus and Vulvar Cancer Awareness Day. Here are some ideas:
1. Share your story. If you have been affected by lichen sclerosus or vulvar cancer, share your story on social media using the hashtag #LSVWDAY. This will help raise awareness of these conditions and let others know they are not alone.
2. Write a blog post. Use World Lichen Sclerosus and Vulvar Cancer Awareness Day as an opportunity to educate others about these conditions by writing a blog post about them.
3. Organize an event. Hold a bake sale, car wash, or any other type of event to raise funds for research into lichen sclerosus and vulvar cancer. Or, simply use the day as an opportunity to educate others about these conditions through informational booths or presentations.
4. Donate to a research fund. There are several organizations that raise funds for research into lichen sclerosus and vulvar cancer; consider making a donation to one of these groups on World Lichen Sclerosus and Vulvar Cancer Awareness Day .
5. Wear purple. Encourage your friends and family to wear purple on World Lichen Sclerosus and Vulvar Cancer Awareness Day to show their support for those affected by these conditions.
World Lichen Sclerosus and Vulvar Cancer Awareness Day is an important event to celebrate, drawing attention to the realities of these devastating conditions. We should take this day as opportunity to educate ourselves about the risk factors associated with vulvar cancer and lichen sclerosus in order to better protect our health. With increased knowledge and understanding of these diseases, we can make a difference in increasing awareness, access to treatments, and advocating for supportive service frameworks around them.
