Patient's question:
I have been dealing with leukoplakia of the vulva for several years, but I haven't sought medical attention. Now it's very severe, so I feel embarrassed to go see a doctor. The symptoms include itching, whitening, atrophy, cracks, hypertrophy, and hard lumps.Doctor's answer:
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1. Hormone therapy primarily utilizes anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects to enhance the breakdown of skin proteins, thereby achieving the goals of relieving itching and restoring skin health. Common hormone treatments include corticosteroid creams or ointments.
2. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a choice for some patients. Generally, topical applications of TCM herbs that clear heat, detoxify, invigorate blood circulation, and resolve stasis are used to alleviate symptoms. TCM can also be used to rinse the external genital area to relieve itching.
3. Surgical treatment. In the past, surgical excision was often considered for treating leukoplakia of the vulva. However, due to high postoperative recurrence rates and the possibility of recurrence with repeated surgeries, the procedure has gradually fallen out of favor. Nevertheless, surgery may still be suitable for some patients.
4. Cryotherapy uses liquid oxygen or liquid nitrogen for localized treatment to destroy abnormal vulvar tissue. After treatment, the affected area may develop abnormal lesions, often accompanied by blisters. This method offers good short-term efficacy but can also lead to recurrence. Some patients may also experience shock due to the intense cold stimulation.
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