What is a Vulvoscopy?

A vulvoscopy involves examining the skin with a special magnifying instrument with a light attached. It looks a bit like a large pair of binoculars on a stand and lets the specialist look more closely at the vulval skin. It does not touch you or go inside you.

Does a Vulvoscopy hurt?

Most people experience some mild discomfort with injection of the local anaesthetic, or in the case of a biopsy of the cervix, some mild cramping period type pains.

How is a Vulvoscopy done?

How is Vulvoscopy performed? A vulvoscopy is performed by using a colposcope to magnify the vulvar skin area, so any abnormalities can be seen clearly. If any abnormalities are detected, a small biopsy will be taken under a local anaesthetic to be examined for any abnormal cells.

What does vulvar biopsy test for?

A vulvar biopsy is a test used to check for vulvar cancer or another skin disease affecting the vulva. The vulva is the outer part of a woman’s genitals. During a biopsy, small tissue samples are taken from areas of skin that look changed (abnormal).

What is a Vulvectomy surgery?

In a simple vulvectomy, the entire vulva is removed (the inner and outer labia; sometimes the clitoris, too) as well as tissue just under the skin. A partial or modified radical vulvectomy removes part of the vulva, including the deep tissue.

Why do I need a Vulvoscopy?

Why do I need a Vulvoscopy? A Vulvoscopy is indicated if you have noticed changes such as itching, redness, swelling or a change in colour or texture to the labial area.

What happens at a vulval clinic?

The doctor will examine your vulval area and may use a magnifying microscope to see more clearly. The magnifying equipment is not inserted into the vagina in any way so does not cause any discomfort. We may need to take swabs from the vagina to check for any infections which may be causing your symptoms.

What can be mistaken for lichen sclerosus?

Common mimics of lichen sclerosus include vitiligo, severe vulvovaginal atrophy, other lichenification disorders such as lichen planus and lichen simplex chronicus, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, and vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.

How do you tell if a biopsy site is infected?

Infection. Sometimes the biopsy site can become infected. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any redness, swelling, or drainage at the biopsy site, or if you develop a fever after the biopsy. These symptoms can be signs of infection.

How long does it take to recover from a vulvectomy?

Most women recover and are back to most activities in 2-3 weeks. You may need a family member or a friend to help with your day to day activities for a few days after surgery.

How long does vulvar surgery take to heal?

Do not put anything into your vagina after surgery until your doctor says the area is healed (usually 6–8 weeks). This includes using tampons and having sex.

Can you swim after a vulvar biopsy?

You can resume sexual intercourse after three or four weeks if the area is fully comfortable. If you are a regular swimmer, you can start swimming again after the stitches have been removed or dissolved or after the biopsy site has healed fully.

What do you need to know about a vulvoscopy?

Vulvoscopy is an examination of the vulval skin surface at the perineum, labia and vaginal opening using a specially designed microscope (colposcope). A weak solution of Acetic Acid (vinegar) is applied on the vulva which turns abnormal cells white compared to the normal cells. When is a Vulvoscopy Procedure Required?

What kind of solution is used for Colposcopy?

Your cervix and vagina are swabbed with cotton to clear away any mucus. Your doctor may apply a solution of vinegar or another type of solution to the area. This may cause a burning or tingling sensation. The solution helps highlight any areas of suspicious cells.

Why is a vulvoscopy important in gynaecology Kedron?

A Vulvoscopy will show whether or not treatment is needed and will determine the nature of an abnormality. It is important to determine the diagnosis as some of the conditions affecting the area carry a malignant potential. How to Prepare for a Vulvoscopy?

How does Dr Friebe do a vagina biopsy?

A speculum is inserted into the vagina just like having a normal Pap smear with your GP. Should a biopsy be required, then some local anaesthetic is either sprayed on to the area by Dr Friebe (for a biopsy of the cervix), or injected (for a biopsy of the vulva or vagina).