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LS diagnosis and anxiety about vulva cancer

emily236
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I'm 36 and also just been diagnosed with Lichen sclerosus. It started with itching and pain and tenderness at my clitoris and I noticed a sore there too. That was back in September. I had an appointment for a biopsy after I saw the GP (who at that time didn't mention LS) in October but that was cancelled. The sore is still there and I'm still waiting on an appointment for my biopsy. With this new diagnosis I've started reading about LS and am now petrified that the sore that won't heal is cancer. I still don't have an appointment for my biopsy but I have now started steroid cream. Has anyone had a similar experience where the steroid cream has cleared up the LS or improved the broken skin on the vulva? I'm a mum of two small kids and all I can think about is the worst case scenario. 

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear that you have been waiting so long for your biopsy and I can only imagine how frustrating this must be for you.

    I am afraid that we can't diagnose you but as you have probably read vulval cancer is a rare cancer particularly before the menopause. It can sometimes take a while for the steroids to get on top of lichen sclerosus. I do suggest that you get back in touch with your GP as you still have not got a date for your biopsy. The NHS have produced some information about this condition which you may find helpful to read here

    I would try and avoid the internet which is so general and will not provide the answers that you are looking for. You may find answers from other members of the forum but do remember that everyone's situation is different.

    I do hope that you find out more about your situation soon.

    All the Best,

    Catherine

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    Hi can I ask which steroid cream is working for you I have LS and nothing is working at all I also have hpv and worried that these two are connected 

  • in reply to AJD

    Hello AJD and thanks for posting, 

    Looking at the British Association of dermatologists (BAD) guidelines, a strong steroid cream called clobetasol propionate seems to be what is most often used to treat vulval lichen sclerosis. But it needs to be used for a while and it is something that only a doctor has to prescribe. The guidelines say to assess how well it is working after 3 months.  A soap subsistute and a barrier cream to protect the skin against pee is also recommended. You can read more about this in the BAD leaflet about lichen sclerosis in women. 

    If you are applying whichever cream was prescribed for you in the way your doctor told you to and things are no better, then do let them know. If you haven't already been seen by a specialist, you can ask for a referral.

    I haven't been able to find anything to say that HPV and lichen sclerosis are connected to each other, but do ask your doctor about this when you have the chance.

    If you want to talk anything over please do give us a call on Freephone 0808 800 4040, we are here weekdays, 9-5. 

    Best wishes,

    Julia

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