Patient's question:
For over a decade, I have had leukoplakia of the vulva. In the past, I visited gynecology and dermatology departments in tertiary hospitals, where they all said the condition couldn't be cured and that it wasn't serious since it didn't cause pain or itching, so I didn't pay much attention. Then, starting from last summer and fall, I began experiencing some itching and went to a specialized hospital, where they said my condition was very severe—the white patches had expanded to surround the entire small labia minora and the inner side of the large labia majora. Both specialized hospitals said the condition couldn't be cured and could only be suppressed. I took medication, traditional Chinese medicine, and even had intravenous drips, but with no other treatments, I spent a lot of money without any improvement. The white patches had turned pinkish-red, and they kept pressuring me to keep going, but I couldn't take it anymore and stopped. Then, a fellow patient told me they had been cured by taking a herbal medicine ordered through a TCM post, so I tried it too, but it had little effect. Now, the pinkish-red skin has become somewhat red, sometimes even purplish, and many small, grainy white bumps have reappeared. My skin has lost elasticity and is very dry. I don’t know if it’s getting better or just softening. I’ve already had a thorough examination during my specialized treatment—is this a pathology? Are these grainy bumps a sign that it’s softening? I’m very upset. I’m young, and my child is still small, so I’m afraid it might turn into cancer. I’ve researched and found that squamous fibrosis, along with keratosis, is a precursor to cancer. Is that right? I had a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test two months ago, and the result was 1.9, which is within the normal range. Can this rule out the possibility of cancer? Please explain this in detail for me. How should I be treated? I’ve been undergoing treatment for over a year, and I’m under so much pressure.Doctor's answer:
For your condition, you can focus on treatment. Most solutions are symptomatic treatments, which can also be treated surgically. This looks not too serious.1. Rest well, enhance nutrition, maintain a regular schedule, and avoid overworking.
2. Pay attention to external genital hygiene. Use topical medications when necessary.
3. Avoid spicy foods, cold foods, seafood, hot pots, and overly sweet foods.