How can proactive management of lichen sclerosus reduce cancer risk?
Proactive management helps by getting the inflammation under control early and keeping a close eye on the vulvar skin over time. Lichen sclerosus can, in rare cases, become vulvar cancer if it’s left untreated, and Dr. Rachel Rubin explains that the ongoing inflammation is part of that risk. Treating it aggressively, most often with a strong topical steroid like clobetasol, can lower that risk.
The other part is regular follow-up. It’s recommended to have the area examined by a clinician who knows lichen sclerosus, at least once a year, so any concerning changes are spotted early. That matters even more if there’s itching, white thin or papery patches, fissures, bleeding, or scarring.
If menopause-related dryness or GSM is part of the picture too, vaginal estrogen may help the health of the tissue, but it isn’t the main treatment for lichen sclerosus. Here at Alloy, our estradiol vaginal cream can help with vaginal dryness and itching related to menopause, alongside care for lichen sclerosus from the right clinician.
For a quick, useful explainer, this chapter from Dr. Rachel Rubin is worth watching: Lichen sclerosus: risks and treatment. Our article on vaginal itching and menopause also includes a short section on lichen sclerosus and symptoms to watch for.
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