---
title: "Why is a biopsy essential when lichen sclerosus is suspected"
description: "Why biopsy is essential when lichen sclerosus is suspected: confirm diagnosis, rule out vulvar precancer or cancer, and avoid hormone-mimic misdiagnosis."
url: "https://www.myalloy.com/knowledge-base/why-is-a-biopsy-essential-when-lichen-sclerosus-is-suspected"
---

# Why is a biopsy essential when lichen sclerosus is suspected

> Why biopsy is essential when lichen sclerosus is suspected: confirm diagnosis, rule out vulvar precancer or cancer, and avoid hormone-mimic misdiagnosis.

## Why is a biopsy essential when lichen sclerosus is suspected?

A biopsy is essential because it helps do two important things at once. It confirms whether the skin changes really are lichen sclerosus, and it checks for precancerous or cancerous vulvar changes. In the context we have here at Alloy, experts also point out that menopausal hormone loss can mimic lichen sclerosus, so a biopsy helps avoid the wrong diagnosis.

That matters because untreated lichen sclerosus causes ongoing inflammation, and that inflammation can, in some cases, lead to vulvar cancer. Getting the diagnosis right means treatment can start early and the inflammation can be controlled.

For a clear explanation, this short chapter with Dr. Rachel Rubin is helpful: [Lichen sclerosus & vulvar conditions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32G9lNBSvrA&t=667s). Our article on [vaginal itching and menopause](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/vaginal-itching-and-menopause) is also useful for understanding how hormone-related dryness and itching can overlap with other vulvar conditions.


[Watch video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32G9lNBSvrA&t=667s)

[Find Your Plan](https://secure.myalloy.com/experience)

---

This answer was created using the following resources:

- [Optimizing Vaginal Health Through Menopause | Dr. Rachel Rubin - Lichen Sclerosus & Vulvar Conditions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32G9lNBSvrA)
- [Menopause & Sexual Health | Dr. Rachel Rubin - Ongoing Research and Collaboration](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RE9AhaA3OA)
- [Treating Lichen Sclerosis and Hormonal Changes | Dr. Rachel Rubin - Understanding Lichen Sclerosus](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFqs33WFg7E)
- [Lichen Sclerosis: An Underdiagnosed Condition in Women of Color | Dr. Sameena Rahman - Introduction to Lichen Sclerosus](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2m4PHD4IG0)
- [Sex, Menopause & Cultural Differences | Dr. Sameena Rahman - Lichen Sclerosus & Underdiagnosis in Women of Color](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m7tk8HHkZ4)
- [The Best Sex-Ed You Never Had - Your Sex Life Through Menopause | Dr. Kelly Casperson - Lichen Sclerosus: Diagnosis and Treatment](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqSpJFSYBUc)
- [Vaginal Itching & Menopause | Menopause Treatment | Alloy](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/vaginal-itching-and-menopause)
- [Alloy | Kelly Casperson](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/ask-the-expert-dr-kelly-casperson-on-vaginal-and-sexual-health-in-menopause)

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