Vulvar Lesions Treatment Near Richmond, VA

Obtain specialized and attentive care for all concerns regarding your vulvar health.

What are Vulvar Lesions?

Vulvar lesions are abnormal areas of tissue or growths found on the vulva, which is the external portion of the female genital tract. These lesions can appear in different forms, including sores, ulcers, or growths, and may result from infections, inflammation, or other skin conditions. While some lesions are benign, others may indicate more serious health issues, such as vulvar cancer, and should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional.

Why Address Vulvar Lesions?

Vulvar lesions should be taken seriously for several key reasons:

They may indicate a bacterial infection, sexually transmitted infection, or another underlying health condition
Certain conditions, such as vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, can appear as lesions and may progress to vulvar cancer if not treated in time
Lesions can cause persistent symptoms, including pain, itching, or abnormal vaginal discharge, which can significantly affect daily life and sexual health
Lesions linked to sexually transmitted infections, such as genital herpes, may lead to recurring outbreaks and require ongoing management
Early detection and treatment can help prevent the need for more aggressive interventions, including surgery or radiation therapy

Who Needs an Evaluation for Vulvar Lesions in Richmond, VA?

You should consider scheduling an evaluation if you notice any of the following:

Persistent or recurring sores or ulcers on the vulva
Symptoms such as burning, itching, or general discomfort in the vulvar area
Unexplained skin changes, including thickening, discoloration, or texture alterations
A history of sexually transmitted infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause genital warts and may increase the risk of vulvar cancer

Potential Risks of Untreated Vulvar Lesions

Failing to address vulvar lesions can result in serious consequences, including:

Progression of precancerous conditions, such as vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, into invasive vulvar cancer
Persistent discomfort or pain that can disrupt sexual activity and everyday life
Spread of sexually transmitted infections or other infections, leading to additional health complications
Structural changes in the vulvar area that may require more extensive or invasive treatments

What To Expect During Evaluation

During your evaluation for vulvar lesions, your provider will take the time to listen to your concerns, review your symptoms and medical history, and discuss any changes you have observed in the vulvar area. A comprehensive examination will then be conducted to assess the characteristics of the lesions. If necessary, additional tests such as a biopsy may be recommended to determine whether the lesions are benign or if they indicate conditions like squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma.

Following the assessment, your provider will collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan, which may include medical management, surgical intervention, or other therapeutic options tailored to your needs.

After your visit, your provider will review the results with you and explain the next steps in your care and treatment plan.

Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

Since its establishment in 2018, The Center for Advanced Gynecology has been dedicated to enhancing women’s health through comprehensive gynecological expertise, with a strong focus on advanced surgical solutions when required.

Our medical team brings specialized knowledge in treating chronic pelvic pain, pudendal neuralgia, painful intercourse, and disorders affecting the vaginal, vulvar, and bladder regions without surgery whenever possible.

Recognizing the need for both specialty and routine care, we have cultivated a practice that addresses everyday gynecologic needs, including annual exams, cancer screenings, Pap smears, menopause support, hormone therapy, breast care, contraceptive services, treatment for urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vulvar lesions can develop due to a variety of factors, ranging from infections to chronic skin disorders and, in some instances, more serious health conditions. Sexually transmitted infections, such as genital herpes or human papillomavirus (HPV), are common causes and can result in sores, bumps, or abnormal tissue changes on the vulva. Fungal infections, like yeast infections, can also lead to irritation or lesions in the area. Chronic dermatologic conditions, including vulvar dermatitis or lichen sclerosus, may create persistent changes in the skin, resulting in lesions. In certain rare situations, lesions may signal precancerous changes, such as vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, or even vulvar cancer, making early evaluation essential.

Some vulvar lesions, particularly those caused by minor infections such as yeast overgrowth, may improve on their own or with conservative care like topical antifungals or proper hygiene practices. However, many lesions, especially those associated with sexually transmitted infections, chronic skin conditions, or precancerous cellular changes, require active medical management. Without treatment, these lesions may persist, worsen, or recur, and in certain cases, delaying care can increase the risk of complications or progression to more serious conditions.

The evaluation of vulvar lesions begins with a comprehensive physical examination, during which your provider carefully inspects the vulvar tissue for abnormalities in color, texture, or growths. Additional diagnostic measures may be recommended to determine the cause and severity of the lesions. This can include a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is collected for laboratory analysis to confirm whether the lesion is benign or malignant. In some cases, your provider may also perform a differential diagnosis to rule out other conditions, such as basal cell carcinoma, bacterial infections, or dermatologic disorders, ensuring a precise and accurate assessment.

Treatment options for vulvar lesions are highly individualized and depend on the underlying cause, severity, and patient preferences. Mild lesions caused by infections may be managed with topical or oral medications, while more persistent or abnormal lesions may require surgical removal. In cases of precancerous or cancerous changes, advanced interventions such as radiation therapy, laser treatment, or excisional surgery may be recommended. Your healthcare provider will create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your condition, ensuring the safest and most effective approach for managing the lesion.

While not every vulvar lesion can be fully prevented, there are several strategies that can help reduce your risk. Maintaining consistent genital hygiene, practicing safe sexual activity, and attending routine gynecological check-ups are all key preventive measures. Vaccination against HPV is strongly encouraged, as it helps protect against specific types of lesions associated with the virus and reduces the risk of developing precancerous or cancerous changes in vulvar tissue. Early detection and proactive care remain the most effective tools for managing vulvar health.