Lichen Sclerosus - Diagnosis

Diagnosis

The disease often goes undiagnosed for several years, as it is sometimes not recognized and misdiagnosed as thrush or other problems and not correctly diagnosed until the patient is referred to a specialist when the problem does not clear up.

It is rare for a biopsy of the affected skin to be taken, especially so in children. A biopsy is only performed if there is suspicion of cancer or vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. When a biopsy is done, hyperkeratosis, atrophic epidermis, sclerosis of dermis and lymphocyte activity in dermis are histological findings associated with LS. The biopsies are also checked for signs of dysplasia.