Patient's question:
Patient: Female, 35 years old. Recently discovered to have vulvar leukoplakia during a check-up. She wants to know what are the common causes of vulvar leukoplakia in women?Doctor's answer:
Hello, patients with leukoplakia of the vulva often experience itching, dryness, and burning-like pain in the vulvar area. Focal or diffuse white thickened plaques may reappear on the labia majora and minora, or around the perineum and anus. The surface is rough, with cracks and ulcers. Some may exhibit thinning of the skin and mucous membranes, reduced elasticity, and significant enlargement or even disappearance of the labia majora. Vulvar atrophy can sometimes also lead to difficulties during labor. In addition to local symptoms, systemic symptoms such as restlessness, chest tightness or palpitations, shortness of breath, general weakness, decreased appetite, insomnia with frequent dreams, lower back and waist pain, chills, and sexual apathy may also occur.