Vulval Gynaecology
There are a number of conditions that can affect the vulva. These are broadly categorised as follows:
- Skin issues, such as dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, and ulceration;
- Infections, such as thrush, genital herpes, genital warts, and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis;
- Chronic pain, such as vulvodynia and vestibulodynia;
- Cancerous conditions, such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, and basal cell carcinoma.
To aid in diagnosis your Alana Doctor will take a thorough medical history, physical examination and may take swabs to test for infections or a biopsy.
Vulvoscopy
Vulvoscopy is a special procedure where the vulval skin of the perineum, labia and vaginal opening is examined using a special microscope, known as a colposcope. This allows your Alana Doctor to identify any abnormal changes that may be present.
If your Alana Doctor recommends a vulvoscopy for you, you will be provided with a Consent Form outlining what happens during the procedure and any risks associated.
If abnormal cells are detected, a small biopsy may be taken under local anaesthetic. This biopsy is sent to the pathology lab to determine the nature of the abnormality.
A vulvoscopy will help guide treatment by identifying any abnormality that may be present.