Pseudoepitheliomatous Hyperplasia in Lichen Sclerosus of the Vulva

    January 2003 in “ International Journal of Gynecological Pathology ”
    Eung Seok Lee, David G. Allen, James Scurry
    TLDR PEH in vulvar LS is common and needs careful diagnosis to avoid confusion with cancer.
    The study investigated the occurrence of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH) in 92 women with lichen sclerosus (LS), focusing on its frequency and histological characteristics. PEH was found in 12.1% of women with vulvar LS without carcinoma and 8.3% with carcinoma, but not in extra-anogenital LS. Two forms of PEH were identified: predominantly epidermal and predominantly follicular. PEH was associated with increased epidermal thickness, less dermal edema, more inflammation, and presence of fresh fibrin and red blood cells, suggesting it might be a reaction to tissue damage. PEH was distinguished from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by its lack of atypia and limited growth. The study highlighted the importance of careful diagnosis to differentiate PEH from SCC in LS cases.
    Discuss this study in the Community →