Has anyone had a biopsy for their LS?

Women's health
1

Hi Ladies!

I was referred to Gynae recently and saw them 2 weeks ago re LS.  I was told I would have to have a biopsy.   The consultant I saw didn't even examine me!  I was actually in and out of that consultation room within 10 minutes.  So today I receive a telephone call from Admissions saying they were sorry they have only just received my referral and could I attend in the morning!!

Has anyone had a biopsy and did it make LS worse and what was the outcome; did they offer anything other than the Clob?

Thank you!

2

Hi,

mine didn’t make it worse.  It came back inflammation though a lot of the times it doesn’t show LS..  you could ask if they are testing for Lichen Planus as well or ask what other things if any they are testing for as they don’t seem to say.  I couldn’t feel the biopsy the needle stung a bit for the anaesthetic and it was bruised for a few days.  If you have a dissolvable stitch it takes about up to 10days for it to dissolve.  Just take it easy when you have had it done and I’m sure they will give you instructions as to not wash there for a day or two and not to use clob for a while as well afterwards.  I hope everything goes ok for you, you’ll have to report back when you are finished x 

 

3

I had a biopsy.  I don't think it could have made it worse as I was in a bit of a mess anyway and went to the gynae because of bleeding.  She did a biopsy but I was under the impression that she was checking for cancer.  She gave me the clob and I used it right away.  It worked very quickly.  She also confirmed I had LS, not cancer, and gave me a talk on hygiene.  e.g. no knickers, no perfumes, no washing your hair in the shower (which I still do).

4

Hi, I actually dont think there is any need for a biopsy unless you are showing something that looks VERY different to LS. 

Lichen Sclerosus can be visually diagnosed, many many women don't need to have a biopsy but end up having them anyway due to their doctors lack of experience with LS.  In some cases, it can make matters worse, as you already have problems with your undercarriage.  My LS was visually diagnosed, it's not that difficult, that's what makes me cross when I read of so many women having to go through this when it really isn't necessary in most cases. 

The telltale signs of LS  are white plaques of skin, often in the shape of a butterfly.  Cuts and tears in and around the Vagina.  Sometimes small blisters or red spots/rashes will appear. These are the very obvious and clear tell-tale signs of Lichen Sclerosus, which any competent doctor  should be able to diagnose. 

I would imagine 20 years ago that his would quite possibly be the first line of treatment, but now, with so many women having this condition there is no excuse for the laziness of doctors not to know about it.

5

Have you tried an OTC steroid cream to see if it improves?

6

Hi Sue,

Many thanks for your reply, I will certainly ask questions when/if I have it done as it is now to be rescheduled!  

Kind regards. 

7

Hi Fran,

Many thanks for your reply.  I think they are checking for anything sinister going on; I suppose it is better to be safe than sorry.

Kind regards

8

Hi Guppy,

I totally agree with you!  The consultant didn't even have a look and referred me for the biopsy.  What worries me is if it makes things worse.  I've had this for 13 years and only recently has it become troublesome.  I am wondering whether the menopause has anything to do with it.  Oh the joys of being a woman!!

Kind regards

9

Hi Ben,

Yes, have tried the steroid cream and it does help, thank you.

Kind regards.

 

10

If steroids help it and you've had for 11 years then its almost certainly not vulval cancer. So I don't think a biopsy is necessary.

11

I recently had a biopsy on 11/01/17. I'm awaiting the results. With the exception of some minor itching (tested and do not have a yeast infection) and the fact that my vulva and area around my anus lost its pigmentation, she said she couldn't say it was LS or not, hence, the biopsy. I can tell you, the shot to numb the area was very "uncomfortable", but not the worse discomfort. I am hoping that I don't have LS and more importantly, no vulva cancer, but why at 57 would I lost pigmentation in my genital area.

12

Morning Toni 

I unlike Guppy feel that a biopsy is the only way to be completely sure it is LS 

Of course the consultant who did not even take time to examine you is appalling !! It is not only the physical side of things that has to be addressed but your mindset as well 

To get syched up for consultation is hard enough. Tell me Toni was it a man or a woman ? Also your first meeting   Disgraceful 

Anyway, I was diagnosed nearly 16 years ago by biopsy   There had been no architectural changes then, and I did not know what I was dealing with 

The treatment has not changed in decades simply because there is  No research into this

sneaky silent, often painful n itching ugly 👹 condition 

This forum is probably the most informed Army of woman who can discuss their vaginas condition freely 👯‍♂️👯‍♂️👯‍♂️👯‍♂️ and can make a difference to people who are diagnosed with LS and take away anxious worrying feelings by being there and supportive. 

Toni the best things I have to help me manage LS successfully 

Is my portable bidet (❤️ It ) and 20 Mule Team Borax    (There is a a link to tell you about the benefit of Borax and LS  but I don’t know how to do it ) 🙄 

Betnovate ointment in case of flare up and coconut oil for moisturiser.  Talk about DIY interest in my Ladyship !!! 

I live in Warwickshire and my consultant is Prof Sean Kehoe in Birmingham and he is the most honest specialist I have ever met

He told me LS does not cause cancer but cancer can cause LS !! 

quite frankly Toni we know more than any of ‘ em 

I hear horrendous stories re LS but we have to remain calm and try to be logical with opinions we hear. 

One mans meat and all that.  You know what suits one ‘Ladyship’ Might not suit another !! 

We living with it 24/7

Also, sorry to go on but this is my thought for the day 😂

I have over time changed my diet 

Taken out sugar, dairy ( both big no no  as far as LS concerned. As both heat bodies and LS loves hot    

Alcohol also but hey ho two outta three ain’t bad 🎶🎶🎶

Sending ❤️

I 

13

Hi Angela and thanks for your reply.  The consultant told me they would take about 5 samples, how many did they take with you?  I still can't understand why he didn't even examine me and then refer me for biopsy.  Do you have white patches?  I wish you all the best with your results x

14

Hi Toni,

sorry, I have only just seen this post.  Just wanted to say I’m post meno six years and I’ve researched so much on it now that definitely lack of oestrogen plays a part in development of L S amongst other triggers.  Pre pubescent girls or babies can get it, I’ve read they give Oestrogen cream to the girls to aid before menstruation and it helps the architecture come back.  I think we probably have a mixture of age related atrophy and LS as LS is prone post menopause.  I aren’t sure if you are on any HRT or local estriol or anything.  I’m too scared to apply cream there in case it causes bleeding or breasts to become sore.  When they do the biopsies ask which areas they are doing, I know they’ll hate that but I didn’t and I’m certain they biopsied the wrong areas.  Xx

15

Hi Sedg, and thank you for your reply.

Oh yes, it was a male consultant and all he was interested in was getting the paperwork done for the biopsy!  I wouldn't have wanted an examination done by him anyway!! 

I have read that article on Borax and it seems to help a lot of women.  Do you know where I can purchase some, also what coconut oil do you use and where do you get it from?

My GP told me to steer clear of forums, but I think they are so good for women like us who are suffering from this debilitating condition.  GPs don't have a clue what we have to put up with on a daily basis.

Thanks again, best wishes.

 

16

Hi Sue,

I am post menopausal, well surgically menopausal!  I had a hysterectomy last year.  I've had LS 13 years and have managed fine.  It's only in the last six months things have started to change; itching, tearing and bleeding and it got me wondering if it is related to menopause.  I haven't tried HRT.  I find we have to do our own research as GPs don't really help.  Mine tells me to go and have a massage!!!  

Thanks again and and best wishes.

 

17

Hi Toni, she only took one sample. I dont have the white patches that others have described. I am an African American, not real dark skin, but it's as if I lost the color or melatonin. My gyno is new and I was grateful that she did an exam, then recommended the biopsy, which was done in office. i still have some minor itching, but pending diagnosis, I am using organic coconut oil, that I ordered from Amazon. Your gyno sounds like an insensitive turd!! I hope that you are able to find someone who is at least empathetic regarding what you are going through and truly interested in helping you. God Bless.

18

Hi Toni 

Cheeky bliddy closed minded doctor saying stay away from forums !!

Perhaps next you see him/her you might ask him/her to join   Then him/her would be more informed to really assist patients with this dastardly condition    

I asked my one of the Doctor s at my surgery and she said yes 😄  she also said they had several women with this complaint.   Not so rare eh ?? 

I get my 20 Mule Team Borax 99.9%pure from EBay. Please be mindful of seller 

This seller is Bio Aquatek based in Stoke on Trent. 

I rang them and spoke to a very helpful gentlemen who confirmed how pure it was. 

Bless him, I told him it was to bathe my ‘Ladyship’ due to a gynaecological problem !! 

He kinda stuttered a bit, but was very composed when he said, when asked, that he would let his wife/mother use it if necessary.   Seal of approval for me. 

I use 3 litres of warm-hot water in my portable bidet (from Amazon) adding 2 teaspoon of Borax.  

This is the bit when less is better until you find the right ratio for you.  Too much will burn 🔥

I often wonder who first thought about using a laundry agent on their ‘ Ladyship’ 😳

It works for me tho I only use once or maybe twice a week. 

I buy Virgin Organic Coconut oil 

Most supermarkets sell it and it does last for ages. 

Tho I use it as a body moisturiser too sometimes. 

Also, unless I have rotten flare up prefer to use a less intense steroid, which is Betnovate ointment.  

Dermovate or Clobetasol is a very strong steroid and caused more discomfort than ease for me.  Betnovate in my opinion is calmer 

Sorry to go on    Feel like writing War and Peace. 😆

Actually, that what LS is like. 

HaPpY DaYs 

❤️

19

Toni are you able to link in our discussion with a lady called  Bellazia?? I don’t know how duh. 

She needs advice re Borax use etc  and where to buy 

Thank you  

Hope you managing ❤️

20

Ah Angela, you are so right about the insensitive turd!!!  That make me chuckle!

How are you getting on with the organic coconut oil?  It seems to be quite popular amongst the ladies.  I haven't tried it yet.

Thank you for your kind words, best wishes x