These symptoms can arise with or without a noticeable lump, sore or discoloration. Common causes of pain and itching include infection, contact dermatitis, chronic skin conditions, menopausal thinning of the skin and even cancer. Infections, such as candidiasis (yeast), bacterial vaginosis and genital human papillomavirus, can cause itching. A biopsy may be necessary, even if your physician does not see a lesion. It is also important to know if the symptoms are recent or something you’ve experienced for a time.
If you have a lump, sore or discoloration (red, brown, black, white) you will need a biopsy. A biopsy should be performed on any hyperpigmented (dark), firm/thick, ulcerative lesion or any lesion that does not respond to treatment or worsens during treatment. A biopsy will enable your gynecologist or family physician to determine if you have a skin condition that can be treated with medication (eczema, lichen sclerosus) or if you have a more serious condition (vulvar dysplasia, Paget’s disease or squamous cell cancer). –Julia Chapman, MD