Utilidad de la biopsia en el diagnóstico del liquen escleroso vulvar en pacientes sintomáticas con patologías vulvares crónicas.
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic, atrophic, and progressive inflammatory dermatosis of indeterminate etiology, with a multifactorial origin, primarily affecting the genital, perineal, and perianal regions. This condition is characterized by its association with persistent pruritus, pain, and dyspareunia. Vulvar biopsy is recognized as the gold standard for confirming this pathology; it is a straightforward, safe, and comfortable procedure well-suited for implementation in clinical practice. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, the diagnostic utility of biopsy in patients presenting with chronic vulvar pathologies and associated symptoms suggestive of VLS was determined. The study cohort comprised 15 patients attending the Gynecospa Unit in Caracas, Venezuela, as well as private clinical practices. Data collection was conducted using a form, following informed consent. The mean age of participants was 57.1 ± 15.2 years. Burning, dryness, and pruritus were the most frequently reported symptoms. The predominant clinical diagnosis identified was lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSEA). Biopsies revealed that 60.0% of cases corresponded to a diagnosis of LSEA, lichen sclerosus (LS), or lichen simplex chronicus, demonstrating substantial concordance between clinical diagnoses and histopathological findings for VLS. Sections of thin skin fragments were described as having a stratified squamous epithelial covering that was keratinized, pigmented, and exhibited epidermal acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and an inflammatory reaction, among other features. In conclusion, this study reinforces the fundamental role of vulvar biopsy as a diagnostic tool for VLS. Nevertheless, further research is warranted to elucidate clinicopathological discrepancies and deepen the understanding of vulvar histology.
Authors: Macabril, Marjubeth, Rivas, Yoselin, Ajakaida, Renaud
Language: English
Topic: Genital Health and Disease
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6893258127
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: