Patient's question:
Problem Description: What to do if you get leukoplakia of the vulva?Doctor's answer:
Drug treatment: Hormone therapy, mainly achieved by anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting connective tissue hyperplasia, and enhancing skin protein breakdown, aims to relieve itching and thin the skin. Commonly used include topical corticosteroid creams or ointments, or local application of androgens or progestogens. Hormone therapy requires a long duration, has poor symptom control, is prone to recurrence after discontinuation, and necessitates frequent repeated medication, leading to poor patient compliance. This is one of the treatment methods for leukoplakia of the vulva.Surgical treatment: In the past, it was believed that leukoplakia of the vulva had a 10% malignancy rate, and surgery was often recommended. However, the postoperative recurrence rate was as high as 50%, and recurrence could still occur with repeated surgeries. After surgery, the affected vulva is prone to scarring, which can lead to sexual difficulties and a decline in sexual quality. Recent studies have found that the actual malignancy rate of this disease is actually lower than 5%, so surgical treatment is not recommended for broad application. It is advised that surgery be limited to patients with severe, drug-resistant atypical hyperplasia or those with a potential for malignancy. This is also a treatment method for leukoplakia of the vulva.