Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: Current Perspectives

Abstract

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis that may lead to scarring of the vulva and sexual dysfunction. LS affects women of all ages and often goes unrecognized and underreported. Uncertainty continues to exist around its pathogenesis, histologic diagnosis, and treatment. However, there have been great advances in our understanding of autoimmunogenic targets in disease formation and progression. In addition, there has been recent investigation of potential non-steroid-based treatments, including platelet-rich plasma therapy and energy-based modalities such as the fractional CO₂ laser, photodynamic therapy, and high intensity focused ultrasound. Refinement of surgical techniques for restoring vulvar anatomy and treating clitoral phimosis, introital stenosis, and vulvar granuloma fissuratum is leading to improved patient outcomes. This review summarizes current perspectives on the pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment for vulvar lichen sclerosus.

Keywords:

• lichen sclerosus
• clitoral phimosis
• vulvar granuloma fissuratum
• corticosteroids
• fractional CO₂ laser
• lysis of vulvar adhesions

Introduction

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, inflammatory, cutaneous disorder that can lead to scarring, impaired sexual function, and malignancy. While LS can affect any area of the body of both males and females, it has a predilection for female anogenital epithelium. There is a reported bimodal peak incidence in premenarchal girls and in menopausal women. However, up to 40% of women with LS will display onset of symptoms and cutaneous changes of vulvar LS during their reproductive years.^1,2 It has been questioned if the bi-modal peak incidence is, in fact, just detection bias. In a cohort of women with LS which included 46% premenopausal women, up to 39% of women were asymptomatic in the setting of advanced disease.³ Pruritis is often described in hypoestrogenic states and it is not known if women of reproductive age with LS may experience less pruritis, possibly contributing to the known delay in diagnosis.^1–4

Although the exact prevalence is unknown, LS has been found to affect one in 70 women presenting to a general gynecology practice with practitioners experienced in diagnosing this condition.³ The time from reported onset of symptoms until diagnosis may range from 5 to 15 years.^1,2 This suggests that this condition is commonly unrecognized and misdiagnosed for several years.^2,5 The incidence of LS in the general population is largely unknown. A recent report from the Netherlands estimated that the incidence of histology-proven LS in women rose from 7.4 to 14.6 per 100,000 woman-years between 1991 and 2011. The authors propose that this rise in incidence reflects an increased awareness of the condition leading to higher rates of biopsy and diagnosis.⁶ However, these incidences are almost certainly underestimated, as women with the clinical diagnosis of LS (without biopsy) or with non-definitive pathology were excluded in this study.

While this condition was first described over a century ago, uncertainty continues to exist around its pathogenesis, histologic diagnosis, and treatment. However, there have been great advances in our understanding of autoimmunogenic targets in disease formation and progression, as well as investigation of new and promising treatment modalities. The purpose of this review is to discuss our current understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnostic challenges, and emerging treatments for vulvar lichen sclerosus.

Pathogenesis

Although the etiology of LS is still unclear, evidence suggests that LS is an autoimmune disorder with a genetic component. Familial studies indicate a positive family history of LS, with 12% of over 1000 women with vulvar LS reporting a first-degree female relative with the same condition.⁷ Case studies also describe vulvar LS in monozygotic twins.^8,9 Providing support for genetic susceptibility, studies indicate a significant association of LS with genes regulating human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II antigens, which are involved in humoral immunity.^10–12 Women with LS have an increased prevalence of HLA-DQ7, –DQ8, –DQ9, and –DR12 compared with controls, with 50% of adult females and 66% of prepubertal females expressing HLA-DQ7.^10,11,13 In contrast, HLA-DR17 shows a negative association with LS, inferring protective qualities.¹³ These specific HLA antigens and their associated haplotypes may play a role in susceptibility and protection from LS.^12,13

In women, LS is hypothesized to be an autoimmune disorder. LS displays characteristics consistent with other autoimmune conditions, including a higher prevalence in women and association with other female autoimmune conditions.^2,14–16 The most frequent autoimmune diseases associated with LS in women include autoimmune thyroid diseases (Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves’ disease), alopecia areata, vitiligo, and pernicious anemia. Autoimmune thyroiditis is much more common among women with LS, comprising 12–16% of two studied cohorts.^16,17 This strong association raises the question if women diagnosed with LS should undergo screening for other immune diseases, in particular thyroid disease, although current guidelines recommend only clinical evaluation.^12,18

Although the strong association with autoimmune disease and familial occurrence of LS has been recognized, the exact etiology of the disease remains unknown. Increased understanding of immune and genetic targets implicated in LS pathology involve autoimmunogenic activation, sclerotic tissue formation, and oxidative stress.¹² An absence of the suppressive function of regulatory T cells likely plays a role in inducing autoimmunity.¹⁹ Gene expression profiles support LS as an inflammatory disease, mediated by upregulation of T-helper type I (T_h1) cytokines.²⁰ There is an established association between T_h1 responses and autoimmune diseases.^12,21 MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is involved in promoting T_h1 differentiation.²⁰ When overexpressed, miR-155 can disrupt suppression mediated by T regulatory (Treg) cells, triggering a loss of self-tolerance and promoting inflammation, and thereby inducing autoimmunity.¹² Dysregulation due to overexpression of miR-155 is also associated with increased collagen synthesis, leading to sclerotic tissue formation. In addition, miR-155 inhibits tumor suppressor genes FOXO3 and CDKN1B, leading to even more collagen synthesis.²²

Autoantigen disruption involving extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1), a scaffolding glycoprotein which acts as a “biological glue” at the dermal-epidermis junction, was one of the first targets implicated in the development of LS.^12,23 However, more recent studies indicate that autoimmunity to ECM1 alone is not sufficient in explaining the pathogenesis of LS.^12,24 Autoantibodies to ECM1, which are found in 74% of females with LS, affect the regulatory binding of ECM1 to matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), leading to overactive collagen synthesis, especially type V collagen, and disrupting the focal basement membrane through degradation and thickening.^24,25 Sclerotic tissue formation is also facilitated by dysregulation involving a keratinocyte protein regulated by p53 called galectin-7, which inhibits fibroblast growth and increases collagen synthesis.²⁶

The inflammation of the T_h1 cytokine environment leads to the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoting autoimmunity and oxidative stress.¹² Oxidative stress contributes to inactivation of tumor suppressor genes involving p53 and CDKN2A, leading to cell proliferation and transformation to malignancy.^12,27

An increased understanding of the differences between the genomic and proteomic profiles between LS and normal skin may aid in the identification of potential biomarkers to be used for early diagnosis, treatment, and even prevention of the disease. There is an ongoing clinical trial [NCT03561428] that aims to identify and validate genes, protein, or glycoproteins that serve as biomarkers for LS.²⁸ Identification of specific biomarkers will facilitate the development of assays that may be incorporated in minimally invasive tests or screening tools for early detection of LS, as well as more specific tests for biopsy-based tissue diagnosis.

Clinical Presentation

While some patients with LS are asymptomatic, most report a history of pruritus, dyspareunia, or vulvar pain.^3,15 Multiple studies have shown a high rate of sexual dysfunction in women with LS.^29–32 Women with LS are less likely to be sexually active (vaginal intercourse, oral intercourse, and masturbation) than control groups.^29,32 Furthermore, 79% of women with LS report chronic vulvar pain.³⁰ Progressive scarring may lead to clitoral phimosis and narrowing of the vaginal introitus. With loss of tissue elasticity, tearing at the base of the fourchette may occur with intercourse.¹⁵ Of all quality of life domains, sexual function was found to be most impacted in women with vulvar LS. Women with LS reported significantly lower sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction, even after adequate treatment.³² A recent small cohort study found that women with vulvar LS scored significantly lower on a validated scale rating genital self-image, which was found to correlate with sexual function.³³ Because treatment with corticosteroids does not reverse existing vulvar scarring, this may explain why treating active disease may not improve sexual function related to poor genital self-image.

Physical examination reveals ivory white atrophic plaques with a waxy texture or epidermal wrinkling (“cigarette paper” appearance), depigmentation or hyperpigmentation, ecchymoses, resorption of the labia, narrowing of the introitus, and distortion of the vulvar architecture (Figure 1). LS may involve the labia minora and inner portion of the labia majora, interlabial sulcus, clitoris, vestibule, perineum, and the perianal region. Unlike lichen planus, LS rarely involves the vaginal mucosa; however, case reports indicate vaginal disease may be more common than once thought and may be underdiagnosed.^34,35 Scarring of the clitoral prepuce may cause clitoral phimosis, which in turn can lead to formation of a smegmatic pseudocyst abscess between the prepuce and clitoris.¹⁵

Vulvar LS is associated with a 4–6.7% risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva.^1,6 Unlike the more common HPV-associated vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and basaloid SCC, the LS-mediated pathway leads to vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), differentiated type resulting in keratinizing SCC.^36,37 Differentiated VIN, which accounts for less than 5% of VIN, often occurs in older women with inadequately treated LS or lichen planus. Findings have indicated that women compliant with topical corticosteroid treatment demonstrate lower rates of vulvar SCC compared to women who were inconsistent with this treatment.^1,38–41 However, these studies were not sufficiently powered to determine if treatment prevents progression of vulvar LS to SCC.¹⁹ More recently, Lee and colleagues (2015) conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study of over 500 women with vulvar LS spanning almost 6 years. None of the 357 women who were compliant with topical corticosteroid treatment developed SSC. Alternatively, seven (4.7%) of the women who were only partially compliant with treatment and follow-up developed biopsy-proven SCC.⁴² These findings suggest that optimal treatment modifies the course of the disease, and may prevent malignant transformation.

A biopsy to confirm LS prior to treatment is not necessary in typical presentations.^42–44 However, with atypical features, uncertainty of diagnosis, concern for malignancy, or in failed response to treatment, obtaining a histological specimen is advised.^15,42,44 Biopsies should ideally be collected without prior application of corticosteroids, as treatment can resolve the pathognomonic histopathologic changes of LS. Characteristic pathologic findings generally include hyperkeratosis of the epidermis, epidermal atrophy with loss of rete ridges, homogenization of the collagen in the upper dermis, and a lichenoid (band-like) inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis (Figure 2). There are inconsistencies in the description and reliability of histologic samples in the diagnosis of LS.¹² In a retrospective review of almost 70 cases of patients with clinically diagnosed LS who had a vulvar biopsy performed within 5 years, one-third of biopsies did not meet histological criteria for diagnosis of LS.⁴⁵ Early LS may be histologically misdiagnosed as eczema or “non-specific vulvitis.”^46,47 While classic histologic findings may confirm the diagnosis, a nonspecific biopsy should not rule out clinically suspected LS.^45,48

Treatment

Although there is no cure for LS, there are a number of treatment options that have been explored to achieve remission and prevent progression of disease. The goals of treatment are to alleviate symptoms of itching and pain, prevent anatomic changes due to scarring, and possibly prevent malignant transformation. Scarring of the vulva may cause clitoral phimosis, introital stenosis, and recurrent mechanical fissure of the posterior fourchette, leading to decreased sensation and dyspareunia. This section will discuss medical and energy-based treatment modalities to prevent disease progression, as well as surgical techniques to restore vulvar anatomy and function.

Ultrapotent Topical Corticosteroids

The gold standard treatment for LS is ultrapotent topical corticosteroids (TCSs), most commonly clobetasol propionate ointment. According to the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) Guidelines for the management of LS, which were updated in 2018, recommended treatment for anogenital LS in women is with clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment.^44,49 This is based upon evidence from randomized control trials that found that clobetasol propionate ointment 0.05% is more effective in the treatment of vulvar LS compared to topical tacrolimus 0.1%, topical testosterone 2%, and phototherapy, and equally effective as mometasone furoate 0.1%.^50–53 The recommended dose is a half-fingertip unit (approximately 0.5 g) applied to the affected area once daily for 1 month, then every other day for 1 month, and then twice weekly for a third month.⁴⁴ The 2015 European Guidelines recommend daily application for the first 3 months.¹⁸

There is variation in practice regarding maintenance therapy after the initial 3 months of treatment.⁵⁴ According to the 2018 BAD Guidelines, once symptoms are controlled, topical steroid may be applied as needed for recurrent symptoms.⁴⁴ The 2015 European Guidelines recommend individualized maintenance ranging from 1–2 times per month to 2–3 times per week.¹⁸ However, other experts contend that maintenance therapy in the form of once to twice weekly application of clobetasol propionate ointment 0.05% is necessary. In a survey to determine current expert opinion in the treatment of vulvar LS, Selk found that 64% of physicians continue maintenance therapy in all patients.⁵⁴ In addition, dermatologists and physicians practicing in the United States are more likely to treat with maintenance therapy compared to gynecologists and physicians practicing in Europe.⁵⁴

Based on the findings of Lee et al (2015), women who were compliant with long-term topical corticosteroid treatment decreased their risk of malignant transformation and progression of vulvar scarring as compared to women who were partially compliant with treatment.⁴² Of note, this study included treatment regimens using different topical corticosteroid agents, including betamethasone dipropionate ointment 0.05% (64% of patients), methylprednisolone aceponate ointment 0.1% (31% of patients), clobetasol propionate ointment 0.05% (3% of patients), or hydrocortisone ointment 1% (2% of patients). This study indicates that only optimal treatment of vulvar LS and appropriate follow-up may lower the risk of malignant transformation. Findings such as this also provide support for maintenance therapy following treatment of active disease, as well as initiating treatment in asymptomatic patients with clinically active LS. The authors of this paper support optimal treatment of vulvar LS with clobetasol propionate ointment 0.05% with regular follow-up to ensure resolution of active disease, followed by maintenance therapy twice weekly to be continued indefinitely.

Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors

The topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), tacrolimus, and pimecrolimus, which block the release of inflammatory cytokines from T lymphocytes, have been studied as alternatives to corticosteroids for the treatment of LS.^50,55 The potential advantage of these newer medications is that they do not inhibit collagen synthesis so they do not cause dermal atrophy, which may be especially useful in pediatric LS patients.¹⁹ However, randomized trials comparing clobetasol to both pimecrolimus and tacrolimus have shown that while both calcineurin inhibitors effectively treat LS, clobetasol is superior in its ability to decrease underlying inflammation.⁵⁶ As such, these newer agents are considered second-line treatments for vulvar LS.

Platelet-Rich Plasma

Decreasing inflammation is the primary goal for treatment of vulvar LS. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy promotes the healing process of tissue by stimulating the release of cytokines and growth factors. The effectiveness of PRP is based upon the high level of growth factors such as PDGF, TGF-B, and EGF, which modulate mesenchymal cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis.⁵⁷ PRP has shown to be effective at propagating new healthy tissue growth in a wide range of medical conditions, such as venous ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and tendinopathy.^58–62

Outside of one-patient case reports, there have been few studies investigating the use of PRP in patients with biopsy-proven LS.^63–65 A 2010 study examined injections of a combination of PRP and fat-derived mesenchymal cells in 15 women with vulvar LS. The authors reported that all 15 patients had complete resolution of pain and symptoms.⁶⁶ However, a significant limitation of the study was that two concurrent interventions were performed, PRP and fat-derived mesenchymal cells, which limits the ability to determine which intervention was efficacious. In addition, the study did not provide an objective measurement of efficacy. Another pilot study evaluated the efficacy and safety of autologous PRP injections in 15 patients with biopsy proven vulvar LS.⁶² Each patient received two treatments of PRP injections separated by 5 weeks, with an initial-screening biopsy and a repeat biopsy 6 weeks after the second treatment. The objective efficacy variable was the change in inflammation between the pre- and post-treatment biopsies as measured by two blinded dermatopathologists. Secondary efficacy variables included changes from baseline in vulvar pruritus and burning using visual analogue scales (VAS) and change in Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) of the severity of disease (0–3 scale). Of the 12 patients that completed the study, seven had decreased inflammation, three had no change, and two had a “minimal” increase in inflammation on post-treatment biopsy, which was statistically significant (F(1,11)=6.81, P=0.024). There was also a statistically significant difference in the pre- and post-treatment IGA scores. However, the changes in VAS scores for pruritus and burning were unchanged.⁶² Limitations of this study include the small sample size and lack of placebo control.

In 2019, there was a follow-up randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial comprised of 30 patients with biopsy-proven LS treated with PRP.⁶⁷ A blinded pathologist with an expertise in vulvar pathology evaluated inflammatory infiltration on the pre- and post-treatment biopsies. The secondary endpoint was the change in the “Clinical Scoring System for Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus” (CSS), a validated instrument that assesses the severity of LS based on patient’s symptoms and investigator’s impression. The objective inflammatory results between placebo and PRP groups were not statistically significant. The difference in CSS mean score pre-and post-treatment for the PRP arm was −7.74 and −9.44 for the placebo arm. The results of this study showed that PRP therapy is not an optimal treatment for vulvar LS. The main limitation of this study was the small sample size.⁶⁷

Given the limited number of randomized, placebo-controlled PRP studies and the results of the studies that have been completed, PRP cannot be a recommended treatment for lichen sclerosus at this time. Additional studies must be conducted with a larger sample size to determine if PRP can be used as a treatment for LS.

Energy-Based Modalities

Three energy based modalities have recently been studied for the treatment of LS: photodynamic therapy (PDT), High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), and fractional CO₂ lasers (FxCO2).

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) relies on the interaction among three components: photosensitizing agents, appropriate wavelengths of light, and oxygen. The photodynamic process creates intracellular reactive oxygen radicals from uptake of the exogenous-photosensitizing agent or via endogenous production.⁶⁸ Photosensitizers target cells that play a role in inflammation and fibrosis, with limited damage to healthy tissue. A recent systematic review examined 11 studies using photodynamic therapy for the treatment of LS with a total of 337 women. PDT led to significant improvement in symptoms related to LS, but changes in histopathologic inflammation were inconsistent.⁶⁹ Although PDT seems promising, additional research is needed to determine efficacy of this treatment modality.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) stimulates cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and revascularization, thereby accelerating tissue reconstruction. In a study of 41 cases of LS treated with HIFU, 90% of patients showed symptom improvement or resolution within 6 months of treatment. Pre and post-treatment biopsies demonstrated decreased signs of inflammation. However, almost 10% of patients reported adverse side effects, most commonly skin burns and blistering.⁷⁰ A more rigorous study of over 380 women with non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva (NNEDV) including 68 women with vulvar LS, 51% of patients treated with HIFU reported complete resolution of symptoms and an additional 47% noted improvement in symptoms. Approximately 6.5% of the patients treated (for all vulvar conditions studied) developed blistering that resolved with anti-inflammatory medication and no residual scarring.⁷¹

A larger retrospective study of 950 women with LS or vulvar squamous hyperplasia found that following treatment with HIFU, 42% of patients had complete resolution of signs and symptoms of disease and an additional 56% of patients noted improvement. Disease recurrence was found to be almost 10%, which was significantly higher in women with LS. There were no severe adverse effects reported.⁷² A recent multi-center, randomized control trial of 62 patients with NNEDV (>30% diagnosed as LS) compared histology specimens (pre and post treatment) of HIFU therapy versus 3-month treatment with a high-potency topical corticosteroid. The study found that treatment with HIFU led to “curative effects” on histology compared to the topical corticosteroid group.⁷³ Additional research is needed to support adoption of this promising treatment modality.

Fractional CO₂ Laser Therapy

Fractional CO₂ laser (FxCO₂) therapy has shown positive results in the treatment of vaginal atrophy, and has been proposed for the management of LS. This type of laser has a wavelength of 10,600 nm that allows a superficial microablative effect in soft tissues and a pulsed beam that protects the tissues from possible overheating damage. The laser beam is delivered to the tissue in a fractional manner, creating small spots alternating parts of tissue treated and not treated.⁷⁴ In a case series, four patients with vulvar LS demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms and visual appearance of disease.⁷⁴ In a subsequent study, a larger cohort of 27 women with symptomatic LS underwent three to four treatments at 4–6-week intervals with the fractional CO₂ laser set at 20 Watts. Twenty-four women (89%) reported resolution of their itching and pain symptoms.⁷⁵ The major limitations of these two studies are the lack of objective measures of disease improvement, lack of sham control, and treatment with clobetasol prior to FxCO₂ laser therapy.

There is currently one active randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial investigating the efficacy of FxCO₂ laser therapy in 40 women with biopsy-proven lichen sclerosus [NCT02573883]. The primary endpoint for this study is improvement in histologic inflammation determined by a blinded dermatopathologist. Results for this trial are pending.⁷⁶ In addition, there is also an ongoing trial comparing the safety and efficacy of FxCO₂ laser therapy to topical clobetasol treatment of vulvar LS [NCT02573883].⁷⁷

Other types of laser treatment modalities have also been explored. There has been one case report of two women with anogenital LS refractory to topical corticosteroid treatment whose symptoms improved with Erbium YAG (Er:YAG) fractionally ablative laser therapy.⁷⁸ Until there is objective data from more methodologically robust studies, laser therapy cannot be recommended as the primary treatment modality for women with LS.

Lysis of Vulvar Adhesions and Perineoplasty

Vulvar lichen sclerosus can lead to significant vulvar scarring, resorption of the labia minora, clitoral phimosis, introital stenosis, and recurrent mechanical fissure of the posterior fourchette, termed vulvar granuloma fissuratum.^48,79–82 Vulvar scarring, secondary to LS, can cause significant distortion of the vulvar architecture, and therefore, can cause significant emotional trauma and perceived diminution of sexuality and femininity. Clitoral phimosis, scarring of the prepuce and/or labia majora to the glans clitoris, is a complication of vulvar lichen sclerosus that can cause significant morbidities including loss of clitoral sensitivity leading to secondary anorgasmia.^79–84 In addition, a smegmatic pseudocyst can develop in the space between the prepuce and clitoris which can lead to chronic inflammation and/or infection causing the need for lysis of clitoral adhesions.^79,83

Clitoral phimosis may be treated successfully through surgical intervention. A minimally invasive surgical procedure can treat clitoral phimosis and improve clitoral sensitivity and ability to achieve orgasm.^29,79,83 The surgical procedure for clitoral phimosis described by Goldstein and Burrows (2007) includes bluntly lysing adhesions by insertion of a lacrimal duct probe between the prepuce and clitoris. For additional lysis, a 5 mm dorsal incision is made along the prepuce using Iris scissors.⁸³ If necessary, the edges of the prepuce may be trimmed with a scalpel to prevent recurrent adhesions.⁸³ Pressure, silver nitrate, electrocautery, or ferric sulfate solution can be used to obtain hemostasis.^79–83 To prevent post-operative Koebnerization, patients apply clobetasol 0.05% ointment daily to the surgical site until well healed.^80,82,83 In a study examining the surgical outcomes of eight patients with clitoral phimosis, 88% reported that they were “very satisfied” with the results of their surgery, and one patient reported she was “satisfied.” All eight patients reported that they would recommend surgery to other women experiencing negative effects due to clitoral phimosis. Of the four women who reported decreased clitoral sensitivity prior to surgery, 100% experienced increased clitoral sensitivity and orgasm post-operatively.⁸⁴

An additional complication many women with vulvar lichen sclerosus develop is introital stenosis.⁴⁸ For many women, narrowing of the introitus causes significant dyspareunia, sexual dysfunction, and vulvar granuloma fissuratum. Conservative treatment for introital stenosis consists of topical ultrapotent corticosteroids and aggressive manual dilation with graduated vaginal dilators. If conservative treatment fails, it may be necessary to perform a superficial perineoplasty with vaginal advancement, to correct the introital narrowing. The scarred endothelium of the posterior fourchette and the scarred epithelium of the perineum are excised, and a vaginal advancement flap is used to close the defect.^80,82 Rouzier and colleagues reported the functional outcomes following perineoplasty for introital stenosis in a cohort of 64 women over a 10-year period. Post-operatively, 92% reported relief of introital dyspareunia, 86% reported improvement in the quality of sexual intercourse, and only 5 of 64 patients had recurrent introital dyspareunia. Of the five patients, three had recurrent tearing of the perineum and two experienced dehiscence of the vaginal advancement flap.⁸⁵ Surgery for women with LS should be performed by an experienced surgeon who is familiar with this disease and the potential complications.

Even more recently, less invasive procedures have also been shown to successfully improve introital dyspareunia, clitoral sensitivity, and ability to achieve orgasm in women with introital stenosis, VGF, and clitoral phimosis secondary to LS. In a 2015 case series of 28 women, Flynn et al reported that sharp dissection of the introital scar tissue combined with post-operative clobetasol use and aggressive post-operative retraction of the incisions (without perineoplasty), improved dyspareunia in 85% of women who experienced pain with intercourse prior to surgery and clitoral sensitivity in 75% of women who experienced decreased clitoral sensitivity prior to surgery.⁸⁴ In addition, 84% of women who underwent surgery would recommend surgery to women with similar symptoms.⁸⁴ These studies demonstrate that women with clitoral phimosis, introital stenosis, and VGF secondary to LS can be successfully treated with minimally invasive surgical intervention.

Conclusion

Advances in disease formation and progression hold promise for improved diagnosis of LS, bringing us one step closer to minimally invasive testing or screening options that could facilitate detection of early disease. Emerging treatments, including energy-based modalities such as the fractional CO₂ laser and HIFU, are currently being studied to find more effective treatments for vulvar LS other than ultrapotent topical corticosteroids. However, additional studies are required to determine the efficacy and safety of these emerging treatments. The current gold standard for treating vulvar LS and preventing associated scarring and malignancy is topical clobetasol 0.05% ointment daily for 4 weeks to 12 weeks, after 4 weeks treatment frequency may be tapered to every other day for 4 weeks, then maintenance therapy at two times per week. Surgical techniques for restoring vulvar anatomy and treating clitoral phimosis, introital stenosis, and vulvar granuloma fissuratum lead to improved sexual dysfunction and satisfactory outcomes.

Figure 1 Ivory white atrophic patches and plaques with a waxy texture, often described as a “cigarette paper” appearance. Agglutination, labial resorption, phimosis of the clitoris, and narrowing of the introitus.

Figure 2 Classic histology of vulvar LS includes hyperkeratosis of the epidermis (A), epidermal atrophy with loss of rete ridges (B), homogenization of the collagen below the dermal-epidural junction (C), and lichenoid T-lymphocyte infiltrate near the basement membrane (D).

Disclosure

Dr Andrew T Goldstein reports grants from Elen, Cellular Medicine Association, Gynecologic Cancers Research Foundation, during the conduct of the study; personal fees from Amag, grants, personal fees from Ipsen, grants from endoceutics, grants, personal fees from SST, outside the submitted work; and Dr Goldstein is the founder and president of the Gynecologic Cancers Research Foundation, a 501c3. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.