Modern ideas about the sclerosing lichen of the vulva

Abstract

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that is 6-10 times more common in women than in men. The drug affects between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 300 people in the general population, but the exact prevalence is unknown due to the fact that the disease is often asymptomatic. The article presents modern ideas about lichen sclerosus. Issues of various etiological theories of origin and pathogenesis are considered. The description of the clinical picture of lichen sclerosus is given. Diagnostic approaches are described, including the histological picture. Possible complications, including anatomical abnormalities of the vulvar architectonics and the risk of malignant transformation, are discussed in detail. Various methods of treatment and care for this disease, local treatment schemes are presented, an overview of systemic drugs and surgical operations, as well as further observation and management of patients is given.

Keywords

lichen sclerosus / lichen sclerosus / etiology / pathogenesis / diagnosis / histology / local treatment / systemic treatment / anatomical distortion of the vulva / VaIN

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