High-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment in patients with non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva.

METHOD:

We reviewed 41 cases of lichen sclerosus, 38 cases of squamous cell hyperplasia, and 17 mixed cases treated by HIFU from April 2004 to July 2008 at the Women's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Biopsy specimens were assessed with light microscopy before and after treatment.

RESULTS:

Pruritus and signs of vulvar lesions were dramatically improved following HIFU treatment, without severe complications, and 90.23% of the patients were cured or had their symptoms improved 6months after treatment. On light microscopy, pigmentation and epithelial structures were recovered and dermal lymphocytic infiltration was reduced. The response rates were lower and complication rates higher among lichen sclerosus than among squamous cell hyperplasia cases (P<0.05 for both).

CONCLUSION:

Treatment with HIFU may be safe and effective in cases of vulvar dystrophy.

• Authors: Liming Ruan, Zhenwei Xie, Huiyun Wang, Jingyi Jiang, Haiyan Shi, Jian Xu
• Journal: International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (Int J Gynaecol Obstet) Vol. 109 Issue 2 Pg. 167-70 (May 2010) ISSN: 1879-3479 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20153858 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2010 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation
• Humans
• Hyperplasia (therapy)
• Middle Aged
• Pruritus (therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Vulva (pathology)
• Vulvar Diseases (pathology, therapy)
• Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus (pathology, therapy)
• Young Adult