What are Nonneoplastic Epithelial Disorders of the Vulva? (lichen scleroses)

➢ Lichen Sclerosus characterized by : • thinning of the epidermis, • disappearance of rete pegs • a zone of acellular, homogenized, dermal fibrosis • a bandlike mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate ➢ It appears as smooth, white plaques (termed leukoplakia) or papules that in time may extend and coalesce. ➢ When the entire vulva is affected, the labia become atrophic and stiffened, and the vaginal orifice is constricted. ➢ Occurs in all age groups but most commonly affects postmenopausal women and prepubertal girls. ➢ Lichen sclerosus is benign; however, 1% to 5% of women with symptomatic lichen sclerosus develop HPV negative squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.