1 Vulvar and Ovarian Disease Flashcards
(144 cards)
Autoantibodies attack extracellular matrix and basement membrane —> immune dysfunction affecting all levels of the skin
Lichen Sclerosus
What are some environmental factors that can affect/exacerbate lichen sclerosus?
Incontinence
Infection
Contact dermatitis
Trauma (Kobner’s phenomenon)
What population is most likely to experience lichen sclerosus?
Postmenopausal women
Most common symptom for women with lichen sclerosus
Pruritis
Common for them to describe sleeping with ice packs to numb the vulva
Clinical presentation of lichen sclerosus
Typically postmenopausal women
Pruritis**
Dysuria
Dyspareunia
Physical exam findings for lichen sclerosus
Sharply, well-demarcated white plaques - “cellophane paper”, waxy, and/or hyperkeratotic in appearance
Fragility is hallmark - purpura, erosions, fissures
Usually begins periclitorally —> spread to perineal skin
Not usually seen in keratinized, hair-bearing labia majors or mucus membranes
“Cellophane paper” plaques
Lichen sclerosus
Sparing of keratinized, hair-bearing labia Majorca
Lichen sclerosus
_________ occurs in 5% of women with untreated lichen sclerosus
Squamous cell carcinoma
Risk factors = elderly, hyperkeratotic lesions
Patients with lichen sclerosus have a higher incidence of associated _______
Hypothyroidism
What lab do you need to diagnose lichen sclerosus?
Vulvar punch biopsy
Treatment for lichen sclerosus
Topical ultra potent steroid OINTMENT*** (b/c has to penetrate keratinized skin)
First line = Temovate 0.05% BID until texture is normal, then 1-3x/week for maintenance
Side fx = atrophy, dermatitis, rosacea (signs you’re using it too often)
Alternative = topical estrogen
What patient ed do you need to give for lichen sclerosus?
Does not go away - needs long term follow up
Encourage self exams and vulvar awareness
Side effects of topical steroid (atrophy, dermatitis, rosacea) indicate you’re using the steroid too much
Bilateral glands found at teh 4 and 8 o’clock positions within the labia minora
Bartholin glands
Open into teh vestibule adjacent to the vaginal Introitus —> secrete mucus-like material to maintain moisture of the vaginal mucosa
Bartholin cysts form as a result of _______ due to ________
Duct all obstruction
Trauma or non-specific inflammation
Bartholin abscess formation results from ….
An infected cyst or primary gland infection (polymicrobial, STI)
Clinical presentation of bartholin cysts
Abrupt onset of acute, painful unilateral labial swelling
Dyspareunia
Pain with sitting or walking
Physical exam findings for bartholin cyst/abscess
Tender, fluctuating labial mass
Surrounding erythema and edema
Cellulitis
Abscess formation
Fever
Treatment for bartholin cyst
Incision and drainage with insertion of Word catheter to prevent re-accumulation of pus)
Culture purulent material
+/- empirical abx (Keflex or Doxy)
Site baths 2-3 days after I&D
No intercourse until catheter removed
What causes vulvodynia?
We have no idea!
Maybe estrogen concentration (affecting pain sensitivity)?
Maybe pelvic flood dysfunction?
Maybe psychological factors?
Maybe neurologic sensitization (secondary to chronic inflammation)?
Clinical presentation of vulvodynia
Vulvar discomfort (“burning sensation”, stinging, irritated, sore, raw, stabbing)
Absent clinical findings and no underlying vulvar/vaginal pathology
Introital pain with intercourse
How to evaluate vulvodynia
Use a Q-tip to palpate vestibule, labia majora, perineum, interglacial folds
Pain is usually limited to vestibule
Single digit exam to feel for spasm or tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles
What is the of treatment for vulvodynia?
They’ll never get back to 100% but you want to get them back to functionality
Avoid scented products, tight clothing, vigorous exercise, pantyliners/pads
Sitz baths BID followed by thin film of petroleum jelly
Couples counseling
Pelvic floor therapy
Pharmacologic treatment for vulvodynia
Topical vaginal estrogen 0.03% w/ testosterone 0.1% (QD)
Nortriptyline 50 mg QHS (begin with 10mg and titrate up)
Gabapentin 1200 mg TID (begin with 100mg and titrate up)
Local nerve block (but it wears out)