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Please note our new office address: 300 Hickman Rd, Ste. 301, Charlottesville, 22911. Less than 1 mile from our old office!

Please note our new office address: 300 Hickman Rd, Ste. 301, Charlottesville, 22911. Less than 1 mile from our old office!

Vulvar Lesions Treatment in Charlottesville, VA

Experience specialized care for your vulvar health concerns.

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What are Vulvar Lesions?

Vulvar lesions are areas of abnormal tissue or growths that appear on the vulva, the external part of the female genital tract. These lesions can take on various forms, such as ulcers, sores, or growths, and may be caused by infections, inflammation, or other skin conditions. While some are harmless, others can be connected to more serious health concerns, such as vulvar cancer, requiring attention and care.

Why Address Vulvar Lesions?

Vulvar lesions should not be ignored for several important reasons:

  • They can signify a bacterial infection, sexually transmitted infection, or another underlying health issue
  • Conditions such as vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, which manifests as lesions, can precede vulvar cancer if not treated promptly
  • Lesions can lead to symptoms such as persistent pain, itching, or vaginal discharge, significantly impacting daily life and sexual health
  • Lesions associated with sexually transmitted infections, such as genital herpes, can cause recurrent outbreaks, requiring long-term management
  • Early intervention might prevent the need for more aggressive treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy

Who Needs an Evaluation for Vulvar Lesions?

If you experience any of the below, you should consider receiving an evaluation:

  • Persistent or recurrent vulvar ulcers or sores
  • Symptoms such as burning, itching, or discomfort in the vulvar area
  • Unexplained changes in the skin, such as thickening or discoloration
  • A history of sexually transmitted infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), which is associated with genital warts and can lead to vulvar cancer

Potential Risks of Untreated Vulvar Lesions

Ignoring vulvar lesions can lead to serious consequences, including:

  • Progression from precancerous conditions like vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia to invasive vulvar cancer
  • Chronic discomfort or pain that interferes with sexual intercourse and daily activities
  • Spread of sexually transmitted infections or other infections, resulting in further health complications
  • Structural changes in the vulvar area that may necessitate more invasive treatments

What To Expect During Evaluation

When you come in for an evaluation of vulvar lesions, your provider will take the time to listen to your concerns, discussing your symptoms, medical history, and any changes you’ve noticed in the vulvar area. They will then perform a thorough examination to understand the nature of the lesions. If needed, they might recommend further tests, such as a biopsy, to carefully determine whether the lesions are benign or could indicate conditions like squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma.

Based on the findings, your provider will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, which could involve medical, surgical, or other therapeutic options.

After your appointment, your provider will discuss the results with you and outline the next steps for your treatment and care.

Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed.

Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.

Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Vulvar lesions can be caused by various conditions, including sexually transmitted infections like genital herpes or human papillomavirus, fungal infections, chronic skin conditions such as vulvar dermatitis, or precancerous conditions like vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. In rare cases, they can indicate vulvar cancer.

Some vulvar lesions, particularly those due to infections like yeast infections, might resolve with proper care and treatment. However, many lesions, especially those related to sexually transmitted infections or precancerous conditions, require medical intervention to prevent progression or recurrence.

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination of the vulva. If necessary, your provider might recommend additional tests, such as a biopsy to assess whether the lesion is benign or malignant. A differential diagnosis may also be performed to rule out other conditions like basal cell carcinoma or bacterial infections.

Treatment for vulvar lesions varies depending on the underlying cause. Options could include topical or oral medications, surgical removal of the lesion, or more advanced treatments like radiation therapy in cases of vulvar cancer. Your healthcare provider will tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs and the nature of the lesion.

While not all vulvar lesions can be prevented, maintaining good genital hygiene, practicing safe sex, and receiving regular gynecological check-ups can reduce your risk. Vaccination against HPV is also recommended to help prevent certain types of lesions associated with the virus.