The correct response to vulvar leukoplakia, easy to say goodbye to the unspeakable

  When it comes to “vulvar leukoplakia”, I believe we can all associate it with hypopigmentation of the vulva, but the most troubling aspect of “vulvar leukoplakia” is the long-term stubborn itching of the vulva. Although “vulvar blemish” is not uncommon, many patients are often ashamed to talk about it due to its intimate location and are reluctant to seek treatment in time. On the other hand, the lack of professional vulva clinics in China has led to the majority of patients having nowhere to turn to for medical help or to turn to the doctor in a hurry, and the so-called “miracle drugs” and “prescriptions” have been tried once without any improvement. This circle makes many patients do not get timely diagnosis and effective treatment, physically and psychologically suffer from vulvar itching, serious lesions and even unable to have sex and affect the relationship between the family couple, individual patients also have the risk of cancer. Therefore, it is said that “vulvar leukoplakia is not cancer, but it is more painful than cancer.” Although it is a so-called “minor disease”, its potential harm cannot be underestimated.  The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Peking University First Hospital has been the first to conduct research on female vulvar diseases in China since 1970, and has rich clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of vulvar diseases, and enjoys a high reputation and good reputation among patients. Although the cause of “vulvar leukoplakia” is still unclear and there is no cure for it yet, our experts of the old, middle and young generations have relied on long-term clinical practice experience to analyze the causes, clinical and pathological characteristics of female vulvar diseases and summed up a set of scientific and effective diagnosis and treatment methods. The vaginal microecology, vulvar biopsy, vulvar medication and homemade topical ointments, vulvar creams and Chinese herbal lotions currently carried out in our department have brought good news to many patients with “vulvar leukoplakia” and are unique in domestic academic circles. In particular, the newly developed vulvar focused ultrasound treatment technology can effectively relieve vulvar itching symptoms at one time through the physical effect of ultrasound energy, and the overall efficiency can reach 84.4%-96.1%, with fewer complications and side effects, and high patient satisfaction. Our department adheres to the concept of humanized treatment and adopts a combination of intravenous general anesthesia and local anesthesia in the treatment process, so that patients do not feel any obvious pain during and after the operation. Focused vulvar ultrasound technology is simple, safe and non-invasive, which can save patients the pain of repeated treatment and long-term reliance on medication, making the treatment of vulvar leukoplakia easier, and is generally welcomed by patients.  A patient who flew from Xinjiang to see the doctor is 56 years old. Since she was diagnosed with “vulvar leukoplakia” at the age of 37, she has started a “tug-of-war” with the disease. She has seen many hospitals and tried many kinds of medication, but not only did she spend tens of thousands of dollars, but also spent a lot of energy and time, but the results were always unsatisfactory, and her vulva was still itchy, dry and cracked, and even affected her sleep and urination, so she could not work and live normally. After suffering from vulvar itching for 19 years, she finally visited our vulvovaginal disease clinic in 2014 and underwent focused ultrasound treatment soon after vulvar biopsy. One month after treatment, her symptoms were significantly reduced compared to before, and after a short period of medication consolidation, her symptoms were completely relieved and she resumed her normal work and life, and is in good condition now. Even the patient himself was surprised: “I didn’t think my disease could be cured, it’s amazing! I should have known that I should have come here for medical treatment, thank you so much!”  In the future, our department will continue to provide comprehensive, standardized, three-dimensional and individualized treatment services for patients with vulvar diseases with the guidance of the minimally invasive concept and relying on the strong advantages of the comprehensive strength of Peking University First Hospital, so as to create a professional brand effect with the characteristics of Peking University First Hospital and make efforts to realize the “level origin” of female vulvar disease diagnosis and treatment. We will continue to provide comprehensive, standardized, three-dimensional and individualized treatment services for patients with vulvar diseases, create a professional brand effect with the characteristics of Peking University First Hospital, and work hard to achieve the goal of “standard origin” of female vulvar disease diagnosis and treatment.