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Genital rash
I have just attended a clinic at my local hospital, who have told me that I have lichen sclerosus. I felt okay about this until I started surfing the Internet and found various references to this condition being pre-cancerous. Now I've got myself into a bit of a state. What is the likelihood of this becoming full-blown cancer? I am 43 years-old and have not really had any serious illnesses in the past.
Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the anal and genital regions of around one in 300 people. Affected skin usually becomes thinned, crinkly and ivory coloured (like cigarette paper), which, when active, may have a purple-red border. Itching, soreness and pain can occur.
Medical diagnosis is important to rule out other skin conditions with a similar appearance, and long-term lesions need regular review. Unfortunately, there is no cure, although symptoms often improve with time. Some researchers have had good results treating LSA with evening primrose oil (applied locally and taken orally).
The risk of cancerous change is low and would only occur in long-standing lesions. It is said to affect one in 20 women with vulval lesions that have not been treated. Regular follow up to look for early changes should diagnose any tendency towards cancer at an early stage, so reviewing every six to 12 months is a good idea. If diagnosed early, the type of skin cancer that it is linked with (squamous cell carcinoma) is usually curable, so try not to worry too much.
Medical diagnosis is important to rule out other skin conditions with a similar appearance, and long-term lesions need regular review. Unfortunately, there is no cure, although symptoms often improve with time. Some researchers have had good results treating LSA with evening primrose oil (applied locally and taken orally).
The risk of cancerous change is low and would only occur in long-standing lesions. It is said to affect one in 20 women with vulval lesions that have not been treated. Regular follow up to look for early changes should diagnose any tendency towards cancer at an early stage, so reviewing every six to 12 months is a good idea. If diagnosed early, the type of skin cancer that it is linked with (squamous cell carcinoma) is usually curable, so try not to worry too much.
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