Leukoplakia of external organs. Kraurosis and leukoplakia of the external genital organs of a woman

The date: 19.10.2019

Today, many women are faced with such a diagnosis as leukoplakia. What is it in gynecology? Why does such a disease occur? How dangerous can it be? What treatments does modern medicine offer? Many readers are looking for answers to these questions.

Leukoplakia - what is it in gynecology?

To begin with, it is worth saying that such a violation is classified as a group of so-called precancerous pathologies. And today, many patients of the antenatal clinic hear the diagnosis of "leukoplakia". What is it in gynecology? How is it manifested? What tissue is affected?

This disease is accompanied by thickening and subsequent keratinization reproductive organs. Most often doctors in modern medical practice leukoplakia of the cervix is registered, in which the cervical canal is also affected. In addition, a change in the integument is often observed in the vaginal part of the uterus. Leukoplakia of the vagina and vulva is less commonly diagnosed.

This problem is not considered too common - according to the results of statistical studies, about 5-6% of women experience a similar disease. However, it should by no means be ignored. The fact is that this disease significantly increases the likelihood of malignant degeneration of tissues and the development of cancer in the future.

The main causes of the development of the disease

There are some factors under the influence of which such an unpleasant and dangerous disease like leukoplakia. What is it in gynecology? To begin with, it is worth saying that the cause of tissue changes can be the impact of both external and internal environment.

To internal reasons include malfunctions endocrine system. background can lead to anovulation, hyperestrogenism, a sharp decrease in progesterone levels, resulting in hyperplastic processes in tissues.

Quite often, uterine leukoplakia is the result of an infectious and inflammatory process. In particular, risk factors are previously transferred adnexitis, endometritis, violations of the normal menstrual cycle. In addition, tissue changes can develop against the background of infections, including herpes, ureaplasmosis, cytomegalovirus and papillomavirus infection, mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, etc. Nonspecific infectious diseases(eg, cervicitis, colpitis) can also be dangerous.

Chemical and traumatic injuries uterine tissues obtained as a result of abortion, diagnostic or medical procedures(curettage, also contribute to the development of the disease. Risk factors include decreased activity immune system, promiscuous sex life.

Varieties of leukoplakia

There are several forms of the disease called leukoplakia. Gynecology distinguishes three main ones, although in fact there are several classification schemes. However, depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease, a woman may have the following types of pathology:

A simple form of leukoplakia. Considered one of the background changes. A similar process is characterized by thickening and gradual keratinization of the surface layers of the epithelium, while the basal and parabasal layers are not affected by this disorder.
Proliferative forms of the disease. Accompanied by a violation of the normal differentiation of tissues, resulting in a change in all layers of cells and the gradual formation of atypical structures. This form of the disease is regarded as

Depending on the course of the disease, flat (whitish films form on the surface of the epithelium), scaly (keratinized areas can be seen), erosive (cell changes are accompanied by the formation of erosions), warty and some other forms of leukoplakia.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

Many women are interested in questions about what signs leukoplakia accompanies. Reviews of doctors and patients, as well as data from statistical surveys, prove that most often this disease occurs without any symptoms. Most often, a pathological change and keratinization of cells is detected by a doctor at a planned gynecological examination.

Only occasionally does leukoplakia cause some visible disturbance - most often only if it occurs against the background of inflammation. Women with similar problems complain of the appearance of a small amount of white with an uncharacteristic color and smell. Sometimes there is itching of the external genital organs. Some patients complain about painful menstruation and pain during intercourse.

What does the diagnostic process look like?

Quite a few patients today are interested in questions about what constitutes leukoplakia. Symptoms and treatment this disease, the complications that are associated with it are also of interest to women. But not less important information is the diagnostic process.

As already mentioned, a doctor can suspect the presence of leukoplakia during a routine examination of the cervix using mirrors. In the presence of whitish areas and keratinized tissues, tissue scrapings are performed (by the way, these areas can be either single or multiple).

During laboratory research the specialist may notice the presence of cells with parakeratosis and hyperkeratosis. In some cases, an additional knife biopsy is also performed on exocervix tissues - this makes it possible to determine the presence of deep cell proliferation and atypia.

In the future, an extended colposcopy is performed, during which the doctor manages to clearly examine the plaques formed on the tissues. In addition, it is extremely important to determine the cause of the development of the disease, therefore, patients are often prescribed hormonal, bacteriological, immunological studies and some other tests. Sometimes an additional consultation of an endocrinologist and an oncologist is required.

Medical treatment of leukoplakia

Only a doctor can diagnose a woman with uterine leukoplakia. Treatment in this case is selected individually, since everything here depends on the form and severity of the disease, the causes of its occurrence, as well as the age of the patient and the characteristics of her body.

It is advisable if cervical leukoplakia is associated with infection or inflammation. In such cases, patients are prescribed anti-inflammatory, antibacterial or antiviral agents. If there are problems with the immune system, it is necessary to take immunomodulators, vitamin complexes etc. If the disease occurs against the background of a malfunction in the endocrine system, then treatment with hormonal drugs may be necessary.

Therapy usually lasts about two months. During this period, a woman should carefully follow all the doctor's recommendations. By the way, for the duration of treatment, you need to stop all sexual intercourse - this will speed up the process of restoring normal epithelium.

Other treatments for leukoplakia

To date, there are many methods for removing cornification foci and tissue thickening. But once again it is worth saying that at first it is extremely important to find out and eliminate the cause of the disease, and only then proceed to the removal of the affected areas. To date, there are several popular methods:

Surgical coagulation involves cauterization of the affected areas with the help of aggressive medication drugs, for example, Solkovagina. The procedure is almost painless, rarely accompanied by complications. In addition, approximately 75-96% after cauterization have a complete recovery.
Electrocoagulation is a procedure in which areas of leukoplakia are cauterized with electric current. This technique is associated with some serious complications, in particular, bleeding and tissue infection, so it is rarely used in gynecology.
Another pretty effective method is cryodestruction, which also gives a 96% result. During the procedure, the affected areas are affected liquid nitrogen which causes tissue death and rejection.
The most effective and safe today is considered laser removal leukoplakia. This technique allows you to quickly remove the changed areas and at the same time avoid contact with blood and tissues, which reduces the likelihood of infection to a minimum. By the way, in the presence of large lesions, the procedure is carried out several times, until they completely disappear.
In the most severe cases, amputation of the cervix is carried out with its further plastic reconstruction.

Leukoplakia and pregnancy

Some women develop leukoplakia during pregnancy. Immediately it should be said that the disease is not a direct threat to the child. Of course there is a risk premature birth Therefore, the patient must be under constant medical supervision.

However, leukoplakia during pregnancy is a risk for a woman. The point is that fluctuations hormonal background and changes in the functioning of the immune system can cause malignant transformation. That is why it is so important to diagnose and eliminate the disease even during pregnancy planning.

Preventive actions

Unfortunately, there is no cure that can permanently protect against such a disease. Therefore, the prevention of leukoplakia is reduced to regular preventive examinations at the gynecologist. It is recommended to use protective equipment during sexual intercourse, timely do tests and smears for various infections and inflammatory diseases, and if they are detected, undergo a course of treatment on time. Naturally welcomes the strengthening of the immune system, as well as proper nutrition, moderately active image life and other recreational activities.

Predictions for patients

In the absence of malignant degeneration of tissues, treatment is possible - here it is extremely important to determine and eliminate the cause of leukoplakia, and only after that to remove the altered areas. Such therapy, as a rule, ends with a complete recovery. The first two years after the treatment, the patient is required to undergo a colposcopy every six months - this makes it possible to detect a relapse at an early stage. Unfortunately, if the root cause of the disease has not been eliminated, then there is a high probability that the disease will turn into cervical cancer.

Leukoplakia (treatment): reviews of doctors and patients

Today, many women go through the process of treating this disease. How quickly does the body recover after cervical leukoplakia has been detected? Reviews indicate that the removal of keratinized areas is the fastest and easiest part of therapy. The process of identifying and eliminating the causes of the disease takes much more time and effort ( hormone therapy, correction of immunity, treatment inflammatory diseases and infections). According to statistics, most women manage to completely cope with the disease, especially if the process of tissue change was detected in the early stages. After treatment, patients can most often count on fertilization, normal pregnancy and a fulfilling sex life.

Leukoplakia of the vulva is a common gynecological disease, which is most often diagnosed in the fair sex over 50 years of age. But modern medicine known cases of leukoplakia in women reproductive age. Leukoplakia of the vulva is a process dystrophic changes in the area of the mucous tissues of the vulva, accompanied by increased keratinization of the surface epithelium of the external genital organs. You can visually determine the development of this disease by whitish "plaques" that appear on the mucous surface of the external genitalia. The main danger of leukoplakia is that it is considered a precancerous disease that requires complex treatment.

Causes of leukoplakia of the vulva

In most cases, vulvar leukoplakia acts as a complication chronic inflammation mucous membrane of the vulva; metabolic, immune or neuroendocrine disorders in the female body. To date, the main causes that can provoke the appearance of vulvar leukoplakia have not been finally established. But experts identify a number of factors that can significantly accelerate the development of this disease:

The main factors that can provoke the development of a pathological process in the area of the external labia include age-related changes in the female body. It has been scientifically established that most often the disease is characteristic of middle-aged and older women who have crossed the threshold of menopause.
The cause of vulvar leukoplakia may be the lack of the necessary regular hygiene of the external genital organs.
Very often vulvar leukoplakia acts as a complication various diseases endocrine system - diabetes mellitus, dysfunction thyroid gland, obesity.
Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages or food products with a minimum of useful and necessary for female body vitamins and microelements.
Leukoplakia of the vulva in most cases develops against the background of chronic inflammatory processes of the reproductive organs - human papillomavirus infection, cervical dysplasia, genital herpes, chlamydia, toxoplasmosis, colpitis, cervicitis.

To deal with the causes that provoked the disease, only specialists can help.

The main symptoms of leukoplakia

In the most frequent cases, the initial stage of the disease is asymptomatic - the woman does not experience pain or discomfort in the vulva. The progression of leukoplakia is accompanied by the appearance of the following signs:

The first symptom of a pathological process in the labia area is the appearance of small whitish spots on the vaginal mucosa and labia minora.
In the process of developing a gynecological disease, whitish spots increase in size, they can merge, and their color becomes more pronounced and saturated. With further progression of leukoplakia, small spots turn into so-called "plaques", which protrude noticeably above the surface of the mucosa.
Pathological processes in the vulva are accompanied by itching, swelling, redness, burning of the external genital organs. Especially discomfort increases immediately after sexual contact, during menstruation, urination, prolonged active movements or just walking.
Also, painful microcracks can form on the mucous surface of the vulva, in place of which bleeding ulcers and erosions gradually appear.
A characteristic symptom of vulvar leukoplakia are pain in the area of the vagina and labia, which increase during sexual intercourse or at night.

Depending on the intensity and severity of symptoms, vulvar leukoplakia is divided into 2 types: isolated and diffuse. An isolated form of the disease is characterized by the development of one deformed area of the vulvar epithelium. In turn, at diffuse type leukoplakia spots and "plaques" have a pronounced tendency to merge and unite. Treatment of the disease also depends on its form and severity.

Treatment of vulvar leukoplakia

Treatment of the pathological process in the vulva should begin immediately after the first signs of the disease were detected. Many women who have been diagnosed with this gynecological disease are wondering how to treat vulvar leukoplakia. As a rule, the treatment of vulvar leukoplakia is a rather lengthy process, requiring integrated approach. Usually, the treatment of this gynecological disease directly depends on the age of the woman, the factors provoking the development of pathology, as well as the presence of concomitant chronic diseases.

Combination treatment is usually recommended gynecological pathology, consisting of drug therapy, adherence to a certain diet with a sufficient amount of vitamins and trace elements necessary for the health of the female reproductive system, as well as a variety of physiotherapy. In some cases, additional hormonal therapy is prescribed. Shown treatment medications local action: creams, ointments, lotions. In the most severe and advanced cases, vulvar leukoplakia requires surgical intervention.

To prevent the development of vulvar leukoplakia, every woman should pay maximum attention to proper genital hygiene. Treatment is recommended to be combined with the refusal to wear narrow, tight underwear made of synthetic materials that do not allow the skin to “breathe”. Also, ladies are not recommended to use various cosmetic preparations for intimate areas: shower gels, intimate sprays or deodorants, creams, lotions or bath foams. The best option will become hygiene procedures using conventional warm water or decoctions from medicinal herbs. But you should be extremely careful - decoctions medicinal herbs very concentrated and can cause allergic reactions on the delicate skin of the external genitalia.

Leukoplakia of the external sexes. organs in women is a widespread gynecological disease, which is characterized by lesions of the mucous membrane. The disease manifests itself in the form of whitish growths on the mucosa.

Remember. Leukoplakia of the vulva in children is very rarely diagnosed, but recently there has been a tendency to rejuvenate the disease.

In fact, labia leukoplakia can be considered as a precancerous condition. How and how to treat vulvar leukoplakia will be indicated below. Analysis of statistical data showed that pathology is diagnosed in approximately 5% of women, but its malignant transformation is observed in 15-30% of patients. The disease in women is most often detected by chance - during the passage of a physical examination.

Causes of the manifestation of the disease

Leukoplakia of the external genital organs (kraurosis) is a polyetiological disease. Until now, the etiology of the disease remains not fully understood. Doctors managed to identify several reasons that contribute to the development of the disease:

mechanical damage to the genitals;
unbalanced diet;
hypo- and beriberi;
genital herpes;
ultraviolet irradiation;
neglect of the elementary rules of intimate hygiene;
papillomavirus and cytomegalovirus infections;
frequent stress;
diseases of the endocrine system;
acquired and congenital immunodeficiency;
hormonal imbalance;
cervical dysplasia.

Advice! Since the pathology is regarded by physicians as a pre-oncological disease, it is impossible to delay the treatment of vulvar leukoplakia. If you find the first signs, you should immediately contact a specialist.

Many doctors believe that vulvar kraurosis is a psychosomatic disease.

Clinic

Symptoms of vulvar leukoplakia early stages the development of the disease is not noticeable. First, the appearance of paresthesia is noted - a slight tingling in the genital area, or vulvodynia - dryness, slight burning and tightening. These symptoms often go unnoticed by women. With the progression of the pathology, a pronounced itching appears, which worries at times and worsens at night.

As a result of atrophic processes, the labia minora and clitoris first begin to wrinkle, after which the inguinal folds, labia majora and perineum are drawn into the pathological process. The hairline in the region of the labia majora becomes very scarce.

Patients complain of dyspareunia - this is painful intimacy with a partner, which causes problems in intimate life. This is due to a significant narrowing of the vagina. Further, cracks and scratches appear in the genital area, into which the infection enters.

Note. In some cases, white spots that have an external resemblance to leukoplakia are one of the variants of the physiological norm. That is it idiosyncrasy specific woman.

The diagnosis of "leukoplakia of the vulva" is established on the basis of anamnesis, results laboratory tests, gynecological and hardware examination.

Colposcopy - informative method study, which can tell a lot about the patient's condition

Treatment Methods

Many readers are looking for answers to their questions: “Is vulvar leukoplakia in children curable?”, “How to cure vulvar leukoplakia?”.

Treatment of leukoplakia of the external genital organs in women and children is always a complex and lengthy procedure. Modern therapy recommends several types of treatment for the disease.

Note. The main goal of therapy is to avoid the occurrence of complications, among which the most dangerous is oncological tissue changes.

Pathology treatment includes:

drug therapy;
physiotherapy;
diet therapy;
consultation of a psychotherapist;
proper hygiene procedures;
surgical intervention (if necessary).

Medical therapy

Conservative methods of therapy are aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disease, improving trophism in the area of the affected organs and removing psycho-emotional stress . To achieve maximum therapeutic effect the following groups of medicines are prescribed:

antihistamines ("Fenkarol", "Loratadin", "Tavegil", "Claricens");
anti-inflammatory substances of local action ("Baneocin", "Clobetasol", "Dermovate");
hormonal preparations ("Testosterone propionate", "Estriol", hydrocortisone, prednisolone ointment);
antipruritic drugs ("Triderm", "Akriderm", "Celestoderm");
antibacterial compounds (synthomycin ointment, Levomekol, chlorhexidine).

For improvement immune status the body is prescribed vitamin-mineral complexes. If it is impossible to use the listed funds, novocaine vulvar blockades are often recommended. In the presence of neuropsychiatric pathologies, patients are prescribed antidepressants, sedatives, muscle relaxants, and tranquilizers.

To enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of drugs, physiotherapy methods are prescribed:

magnetophoresis;
sonophoresis;
darsonval;
medical gymnastics;
balneotherapy.

Advice. To reduce the severity of the pathology, doctors recommend that patients carry out a daily toilet of the external genitalia and perineum. To do this, you can use boiled water with the addition of infusions of medicinal herbs.

Surgery

Vulvar leukoplakia can be cured surgically, but this is resorted to only if conservative methods have not been effective. To eliminate pathological foci, the following methods can be used:

cryodestruction;
radio wave therapy;
laser ablation;
excision of pathological areas with a scalpel;
chemical coagulation;
vulvectomy (usually used in the presence of a cancerous growth).

Minimally invasive treatment is performed on an outpatient basis. The process of tissue healing is from two to eight weeks, depending on the extent of the pathological process, the presence of concomitant pathologies and the method of destruction. During the period of performing medical procedures, it is worth refraining from intimate life.

Cream "Iranian saffron vulva leukoplakia" is an excellent remedy for the treatment of vulvar hyperkeratosis

ethnoscience

Can vulvar leukoplakia be cured? folk remedies? The answer in this case will be positive only if the anomaly is treated at an early stage.

Important. Most medical practitioners strongly advise against doing this. Why? The fact is that leukoplakia is a precancerous condition, so any experiments are fraught with the loss of invaluable time and health.

Conclusion

Leukoplakia of the vulva serious illness, requiring emergency treatment. It is not very easy to diagnose this pathology, since it practically does not manifest itself in the early stages of pathogenesis. As a rule, the disease is diagnosed already in the later stages of development.

Leukoplakia of the vulva (lichen sclerosus) - keratinization of the surface epithelium of the external genital organs, followed by the formation of dry plaques of white or yellow tint. Mainly diagnosed in menopause less common in women of childbearing age.

What it is

Leukoplakia of the vulva is a typical manifestation of squamous cell hyperplasia, accompanied by a lesion stratified epithelium. The pathology is characterized by the formation of keratinized layers, hyperkeratosis (excessive thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis with a violation of the desquamation process).

Form classification

The classification of the disease is based on the intensity of hyperkeratosis. There are the following types:

Flat. Accompanied by the formation of spots white color which reappear after tamponing. There is no inflammation.
Hypertrophic. Gray-white foci with sharp outlines appear. They rise above the surface of the mucosa and are not removed.
Warty. characterized by extensive damage and severe course. The lesions look like warty growths. Refers to precancerous conditions.

Causes

The true causes of the formation of vulvar leukoplakia are not known to medicine. Predisposing factors are:

genital form of herpes;
chronic diseases of the genital organs;
mucosal injury;
hormonal imbalance;
overweight;
diabetes;
mental and emotional disorders.

Symptoms

Symptoms of vulvar leukoplakia directly depend on the stage and form. Often the disease is latent and is detected by chance during a gynecological examination: numerous small white spots are found on the mucosa of the clitoris, labia minora.

When the condition worsens, they thicken and become keratinized, the color changes to gray-white with a characteristic mother-of-pearl tint.

Pathological foci increase in size. Their merger is not excluded: areas of leukoplakia can affect large surfaces of the vulva. Often there are paresthesias - a feeling of tingling, numbness in areas of keratosis.

The process of infection (sclerosis) is accompanied by:

sudden swelling;
increased dryness;
feeling of tightness of the skin;
itching that worsens at night.

The clinical picture of advanced cases looks like this:

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of pathology is based on the collection of patient complaints, the results of the examination and the results of laboratory tests.

A mandatory method is vulvoscopy, which allows you to detect changes in the shade of the mucosa, bumpy areas, an insufficiently pronounced or completely absent "pattern", as well as to fix the onset of atrophic and dysplastic processes.

Diagnostic examination includes the following activities:

performing the Schiller test using Lugol;
smear microscopy for microflora and oncopathology.

Important! In the presence of atypical symptoms, the disease is recognized as a precancerous condition.

Differential diagnosis is necessary in view of the similarity of the symptoms of leukoplakia with clinical picture diseases such as:

diabetes;
syphilis;
psoriasis;
neurodermatitis ( skin disease neurogenic-allergic nature);
eczema;
lichen Wilson;
lupus erythematosus.

Treatment

Treatment of vulvar leukoplakia involves systems approach. The patient needs dispensary observation in a antenatal clinic, or at an oncologist if signs of malignancy are detected.

Therapeutic tactics is determined depending on such parameters as: the degree of mucosal damage, the type and characteristics of existing pathological changes. Treatment is aimed at eliminating symptoms, improving overall well-being, and preventing plaque malignancy. On the initial stage applied conservative method under constant medical supervision.

Sometimes vulvar leukoplakia occurs during pregnancy. With a favorable course, without progression of symptoms, natural childbirth is indicated. In case of severe dryness of the mucous membranes, the presence of ulcerations and cracks, it is necessary to perform a caesarean section.

Conservative therapy

The treatment protocol includes:

taking medications;
implementation of regular hygiene measures;
adherence to the principles of dietary nutrition;
physiotherapy.

Treatment of vulvar leukoplakia with drugs helps to eliminate discomfort. For use are assigned:

local medicines(ointments, creams) - Baneocin, Beloderm, Elidel, Dermovate;
ointments that relieve itching - Sinaflan, Beloderm, Progesterone, Triderm;
antihistamines - "Loratadin", "Tavegil", "Claricens";
cream on hormonal basis- Estriol, Testosterone, Progesterone;
antibiotics (with the addition of secondary infection) - "Levomekol", "Synthomycin", "Chlorhexidine".

To strengthen immune protection organism and normalization of the state of the vulva, it is necessary to take vitamin and mineral formulations.

If antipruritics do not give positive result, novocaine blockades and radio wave puncture are performed.

A strong inflammatory process, secondary infection suggest the use of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial drugs in tablet form, as well as injections.

With the development of psychoneurological disorders, it is required to visit a psychologist and undergo a course of treatment with drugs from the group of antidepressants and tranquilizers.

Diet

During the period of therapy, it is necessary to radically revise the diet and completely abandon:

alcohol;
strong tea and coffee;
fatty, smoked, spicy food.

The menu should include foods containing a high percentage of vitamin A. Fresh vegetables, dietary varieties of meat, fish, cereals and other dairy dishes are required.

Physiotherapy

To desensitize and relieve inflammation, the patient is referred to physiotherapy:

phonophoresis;
radio waves;
impact magnetic fields, ultrasound;
darsonval;
mineral baths;
blood irradiation with laser beams;
exercise therapy classes.

Hygiene measures

During the treatment period, it is important to follow certain rules:

Surgical therapy

If it is necessary to carry out surgical intervention (determined by the doctor), one of the methods is used:

Excision of the affected areas with a traditional surgical scalpel, radioknife.
Cryodestruction (freezing of the pathological area with liquid nitrogen).
Laser ablation (evaporation of atypical cells with a medical laser beam).
Complete resection of the vulva - practiced in the presence of signs of degeneration, supplemented by courses of radiotherapy.

Alternative treatment

With the permission of a specialist, you can resort to the help of methods traditional medicine. Help to stabilize the condition:

Decoction of Veronica officinalis. Drink 300 ml of the drink daily. Can be used for sitz baths.
Boron uterus decoction. Single dose - 200 ml of drink. The duration of admission is a calendar month.

Forecast and prevention

The prognosis for timely diagnosis of the flat form of leukoplakia is favorable. Warty, erosive form are irreversible.

Disease prevention includes:

regular visits to the gynecologist's office for scheduled examinations;
timely elimination of inflammatory processes;
elimination of hormonal failures, metabolic disorders.

Leukoplakia of the vulva is a serious condition that requires constant medical supervision. When characteristic features in without fail you need to contact a specialist for advice and take appropriate measures.

Leukoplakia is a disease characterized by keratinization of the mucous membrane and its replacement with tissues similar to the epidermis of the skin. The disease can affect any organs (mouth, tongue, cheeks, cervix, penis). In women during menopause, leukoplakia of the external genitalia is most common.

The disease is precancerous, therefore it is important to diagnose leukoplakia as soon as possible and start adequate therapy.

Reasons for the development of the pathological process

Leukoplakia is a reaction of the mucous membrane to irritants. The following factors lead to its appearance:

neuroendocrine diseases (disorders of the endocrine glands: hypothyroidism, polycystic ovaries, diabetes mellitus, obesity, etc.);
chronic inflammatory processes internal and external genital organs (herpes, HPV);
dysplasia uterine cervix;
damage to the external genital organs;
neglect of the rules of personal hygiene;
stress and psycho-emotional overload;
decreased immunity;
beriberi (especially lack of vitamin A);
insolation;
bad habits.

Note! The predisposition to leukoplakia is inherited.

Description of the disease

Leukoplakia in women develops during menopause, i.e. when menstruation stopped. At this time, age-related involution occurs in the body - this is a natural aging process.

The level of sex hormones decreases, because the glands and tissues atrophy, the skin and mucous membranes become drier, elasticity is lost, and traumatization increases.

Recent times doctors notice that the disease is “getting younger”, i.e. with pathological symptoms, women under 40 years of age apply.

Leukoplakia of the labia is a chronic relapsing process. The disease develops slowly, and at first the symptoms are not always noticeable to the woman.

Types of leukoplakia:

flat - the lesion has clear boundaries, practically does not protrude above the surface, looks like a film that cannot be removed with a spatula. Color - white-gray. The surface of the formation is dry and rough;

verrucous - plaques of white-yellow or gray color, rise above the mucosa. Or bumpy growths, similar to warts, up to 3 mm in height. This form can develop on flat leukoplakia;

erosive - diverse in farm and erosion magnitude, develop in place of the two previous forms. Cracks often appear. This form of the disease brings pain and discomfort.

Photo of leukoplakia of the external genitalia in a woman

Verrucous or warty leukoplakia Leukoplakia in advanced stage Multiple flat leukoplakia

The development of leukoplakia can be stopped if treatment is prescribed or the action of provoking factors is eliminated. In this case, the disease regresses. If the disease is left unattended, the forms of leukoplakia gradually replace each other, and the process develops into cancer.

Symptoms of the disease

Leukoplakia is initially asymptomatic. In the area of the clitoris or labia minora, small multiple white spots appear, similar to plaque.

Gradually, the spots become keratinized, their color changes to gray with a pearly tint. The lesion is enlarged (large labia, vagina, etc.). The plaques merge with each other, become thicker.

The more the mucous membrane changes, the more difficult the disease is. All this leads to the appearance of pathological symptoms:

unbearable itching in the vulva, which increases at night and after urination;
burning sensation;
numbness and tingling of the vulva and clitoris;
pain during intercourse.

Gradually, erosion and cracks appear, which are easily infected. When layering bacterial infection foci of inflammation are formed.

Symptoms of the disease change a woman's life: insomnia, decreased performance, depression and irritability appear.

Diagnosis of the disease

Colpo and vulvoscopy

Pathological manifestations force the patient to consult a gynecologist. The doctor conducts an external examination and prescribes additional methods diagnostics:

colpo- and vulvoscopy - examination of the mucous membranes of the vagina and cervix under a microscope. This method allows to exclude malignant neoplasms;
Schiller test - staining of the lesion with iodine solution, areas of leukoplakia are not painted over and are clearly visible;
smear for microflora and oncocytology;
biopsy - taking a sample of the affected tissue and examining it under a microscope. Most exact method diagnosis of leukoplakia.

Differential diagnosis is carried out with syphilis, warts, papillomas, vitiligo, neurodermatitis, genital itching, diabetes and etc.

Treatment of pathology

The treatment of the disease is complex. It includes drug help, physiotherapy, diet, psychotherapist consultation upon request. The choice of technique is carried out based on the age of the patient, the degree of damage and anamnesis.

Hormonal ointments with hydrocortisone or prednisolone is applied to the affected areas twice a day for 1-2 weeks.
Hormonal drugs inside: estrogen-gestagenic (COC) or estrogens and androgens. Such drugs are selected strictly individually. Some of them: Jeanine, Norkolut, Logest, Tri-Merci.
Antipruritic ointments are topically applied for no more than a week: Akriderm, Beloderm, Triderm.
Antihistamine drugs can also be taken orally: Suprastin, Claritin, Fenkarol.
If all of the above does not stop itching and burning, novocaine blockade is prescribed (in a clinic or hospital).
Ointments or suppositories with antibiotics and antiseptics relieve inflammation, they are prescribed if there is a concomitant pathological microflora: Baneocin, Polygynax, Elzhina, Pimafukort.
On the recommendation of a psychotherapist, it is possible to use sedatives and tranquilizers to treat insomnia and irritability.
Complex vitamins and microelements within 2-3 months.

Physiotherapy includes ultraphonophoresis medicines, balneotherapy and oxygen therapy.

If all of the above treatments do not help, resort to surgical treatment. For single areas of leukoplakia, apply:

cryodestruction - the destruction of foci with liquid nitrogen;
laser therapy - their evaporation with a laser;
radioknife or scalpel - radical excision of the affected areas.

If the lesion of the external genital organs is extensive, they resort to extirpation of the vulva. This operation is performed using a conventional scalpel and radioknife.

General rules behavior of a woman with leukoplakia:

you need to wash yourself with warm water without soap, you can use decoctions of soothing herbs (chamomile, calendula);
underwear should be made of natural fabrics;
during sleep, it is better to cover yourself with a light blanket;
do not take hot baths;
engage in physical therapy;
take walks in the fresh air;
for the duration of treatment, abandon the sauna, swimming pool, etc.

The diet for leukoplakia includes lean meats and fish, dairy products, vegetables, and cereals. It is necessary to completely exclude fried, salty, spicy, as well as alcohol. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 2 liters per day).

Patients with leukoplakia are observed not only by a gynecologist, but also by an oncologist. Be sure to undergo an examination with a doctor at least 2 times a year, take tests and cytology.

Forecast

The prognosis for the initial form of leukoplakia is considered favorable. This type of disease often regresses. But with the verrucous and erosive form, everything is much more complicated.

They are very often malignant (lead to cancer). Therefore, it is very important to detect as early as possible pathological symptoms and start treating the disease.

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All information is presented for educational purposes. Do not self-medicate, it is dangerous! An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor.