Vulvar biopsy

Vulvar biopsy — is a histological examination of a tissue sample from the external female genitalia. This analysis is the «gold standard» of diagnosis, as it allows you to accurately determine the nature of changes in the skin and mucous membranes, which cannot be clearly assessed only by visual examination or vulvoscopy.

Research objective: The main goal is differential diagnosis between benign formations, dystrophic diseases (e.g., lichen sclerosus), and precancerous conditions or the presence of an oncological process.

What does the pathologist evaluate:

• The structure of the epithelium: the thickness of the skin layers, the presence of hyperkeratosis (excessive keratinization) or atrophy.

• Presence of dysplasia (VIN): determining the degree of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia of the vulva.

• Signs of viral infection: detection of changes characteristic of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

• Cellular atypia: searching for altered cells indicating the development of squamous cell cancer of the vulva.

• Inflammatory component: the nature and depth of tissue infiltration in chronic dermatoses.

Clinical significance: An accurate pathomorphological diagnosis is crucial for prescribing the correct treatment. This allows you to avoid errors in the treatment of chronic itching, white spots (leukoplakia) and other long-term symptoms, as well as to detect the disease in a timely manner at an early, curable stage.

When is it prescribed:

• the presence of suspicious areas (ulcers, cracks, nodules or changes in pigmentation);

• prolonged itching or burning that does not respond to standard treatment;

• suspected kraurosis (sclerotic lichen) or leukoplakia of the vulvar;

• the appearance of neoplasms that grow rapidly or bleed.