Vulvar and Ovarian Disease Flashcards
(118 cards)
What is lichen sclerosus?
Autoantibodies attack extracellular matrix and basement membrane (immune dysfunction affecting all levels of the skin)–poorly understood so can be genetic or enviromental too
Environmental factors affecting pathophysiology of lichen sclerosus
Incontinence
Infection
Contact dermatitis
Trauma (Kobners phenomenon)
Presentation of lichen sclerosus
Mostly in postmenopausal women
Most common sxs is pruritus!!!
Pain (dysuria and dyspareunia)
What is seen on PE for lichen sclerosus?
Sharply, well-demarcated white plaques
Usually begins periclitorally with spread to perianal skin
(not usually seen as keratinized, hair-bearing labia majora or mucus membranes)
Pathognomonic for lichen sclerosus
Plaques demonstrate “cellophane paper” (also waxy and/or hyperkeratotic apperance)
Hallmark of lichen sclerosus
Fragility (purpura, erosions and fissues)
What can occur in untreated lichen sclerosus?
Squamous cell carcinoma (small amt)
Can also see pigmentary changes (benign but can see aytpical nevi and melanoma and take the pigmented lesions seriously)
Hypothyroidism
Risk factors of developing SCC from lichen sclerosus
Elderly
Hyperkeratotic lesions!!
How to confirm diagnosis of lichen sclerosus
Vulvar punch biopsy
Tx for lichen sclerosus
Topical ultrapotent steroid ointment!!! (first line is temovate .05% ointment applied twice daily until normal texture and can use 1-3x week for maintenance)
Lifelong!!!-thicker skin so can handle the steroid for a while
Side effects of temovate steroid for lichen sclerosus
Atrophy, dermatitis and rosacea
Other tx options for lichen sclerosus
Can use topical estrogen also but does not go away
What are Bartholin ducts?
Bilateral glands at 4 and 8 o clock positions in labia minora–ducts open into vestibule adjacent to vaginal introitus–secrete mucus like material to maintain moisture of vaginal mucosa
Pathophysiology of Bartholin cyst
Cysts form as result of ductal obstruction due to trauma or non specific inflammation
Abscess formation from infected cyst or primary gland infection (polymicrobial, STIs)
Presentation of Bartholin cyst
Acute, painful unilateral labial swelling
Dyspareunia
Pain with sitting or walking
What is seen on PE for Bartholin cyst?
Tender, fluctuant labial mass Surrounding erythema and edema Cellulitis Abscess formation Fever
Tx for Bartholin cyst
I&D with insertion of Word catheter Culture purulent material Empirical abx therapy (Keflex or Doxy) Sitz baths for 2-3 days No intercourse until cath is removed
Possible pathophysiology of vulvodynia
Estrogen conc (onset around menopause, affects pain sensitivity and sensory discrimination) Pelvic floor dysfunction Psych (mood/anxiety disorders, poor allostasis) Neuro sensitization (insult to vulvar mucosa causes chronic inflammation and sensation of touch becomes painful)
Presentation of vulvodynia
Vulvar discomfort described as burning sensation (stinging, irritated, sore, raw, stabbing)
Introital pain with intercourse
Generalized vs localized (sexual or nonsexual etc)
Important parts of PE for vulvodynia
Use Q tip to palapate vestibule, labia majora, perineum or interlabial folds
Pain is limited to vestibule
Single digit exam to feel for spasm or tenderness of pelvic floor musculature
Non-specific vestibular erythema
Tx for vulvodynia
No scented products, tight clothing, vigorous exercise or pads
Sitz baths BID followed by petroleum jelly
Couple counseling
Pelvic floor PT
Local nerve block
Pharm meds for vulvodynia
Topical vaginal estrogen .03% with T .1%
Nortriptyline 50 mg QHS (titrate up starting at 10)
Gabapentin 1200 mg TID (titrate up to it)
What is vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia?
Neoplastic cells confined to squamous epithelium
How to classify vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
1, 2 or 3 (like CIN)
Now want to combine 2 and 3 b/c true precursors to vulvar cancer (Vinu and VINd based on morphologic manifestations)