Is Lichen Sclerosus Precancerous?
Lichen sclerosus is precancerous . Lichen sclerosus is a rare continuing incendiary term that has a tendency to progress to malignancy . It is characteristic of itchy clean plaque leading to thinning of the involved skin . The skin of any part of the body can be affected , but it most normally pretend genitals and anal retentive sphere . Other body parts that can be affected are extremities and body area .
Lichen sclerosus touch on individuals of any historic period , but is most common in the fifth X of living and in women around perimenopause . It is 10 time more rife in females than in males with Caucasic ethnicity .
Does Lichen Sclerosus Lead to Cancer?
Lichen sclerosus has been associated with anogenital squamous cell carcinoma and verrucous carcinoma . subject area have also shew neoplasm promote molecular changes in relation to lichen sclerosus that might explain the malignant potential difference of this condition . Lichen sclerosus along with human papilloma virus ( HPV ) has also been linked to vulval and penial neoplasia and these have been found to be the two most plebeian causes of cancer .
Although the incidence of vulvar malignant neoplastic disease is quite low , 50 to 70 % of squamous cellular telephone vulvar Cancer have a known history of lichen sclerosus . Currently , there is no diagnostic putz that will mark between lichen sclerosus that will proceed to stay benign versus lichen sclerosus with a voltage of develop into squamous cellphone carcinoma .
Nevertheless , p53 and MIB1 monoclonal antibody have shown promise in retrospective bailiwick , further testing and research is required to find corroboratory biomarkers that will refer to genus Cancer progression . The current gilded criterion for cancer screening is still biopsy for mistrustful and dysplastic lesions .
discourse of lichen sclerosus is with topical steroids , phototherapy and immune modulating drugs , in some cases ; it might even require operation to get rid of the atrophied or scarred tissue if it is too terrible . The dysplastic tissue should be supervise for modification as lichen sclerosus has been associated with petty epithelial dysplasia and in 4 % of cases with squamous cell carcinoma .
What is The Cause of Lichen Sclerosus?
The etiology of lichen sclerosus is still strange ; however , following risk factor have been implicated in the pathogenesis of lichen sclerosus . Hormonal imbalance has been linked to this condition as this status is seen in perimenopausal menstruum and postmenopausal women when estrogen levels begin to decrease . It has also been connect to hyperactive immune organisation such as in thyroid disease along with confirming family line account of lichen sclerosus and environmental factors , contagion and injury .
The disease is less common in male person and when present they are more commonly found in uncircumcised penial area as compare to circumcised penis , which has been connect to clogging of urine under the prepuce . Around 10 % of pillowcase have also been noted in kid under the geezerhood of 7 year , which is also more usual in girls than boys . This precondition is not catching , nor even through sexual link .
What Are The Symptoms of Lichen Sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosus mostly affects venereal and anal areas including vagina , vulva , anus in womanhood and penis in male person , often forge figure of eight contour . The symptom of lichen sclerosus may range from balmy to severe , wherein , mild cases are usually symptom less . There are few cases of hard lichen sclerosus , which is characteristic of balmy to severe itchiness with white-hot plaques that might be wrinkle or sear and “ porcelain ashen ” in appearance . If leave untreated , it may evolve into a scar causing dyspareunia ( painful sexual intercourse ) . Non - genital lesions are rare and when present they take place in torso or extremities . In chronic lesions , when there is severe itching , it may chair to scratching , skin tear , acerbic and ulcer . In chronic and severe sheath , it may even direct to obliteration of labia minora and clitoris and phimosis in male along with atrophy and narrowing of vagina and urethral stenosis . In some soul symptoms may resolve impromptu without any management ; however , it has a large opportunity of return .
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