Vulvar and vaginal itching, swelling, redness, lumps, or sores can be cause for concern, especially if they occur suddenly and without a known cause.
When this happens, your gynecologist may recommend a vulva biopsy to get additional information about your symptoms.
However, before undergoing the procedure, you may have a number pf questions, including: What is a vulva biopsy? How do I know I need a vulva biopsy? What happens during a vulva biopsy?
Continue reading for the answers to these questions and to learn what patients can expect during and after the procedure.
What Is a Vulva Biopsy?
A vulva biopsy is a minimally-invasive procedure, during which a sample of tissue is taken from the vulva (which includes the labia and clitoris) or vagina (which is a canal that leads to the cervix).
How Do I Know I Need a Vulva Biopsy?
Because each patient has different concerns and symptoms, a board-certified gynecologist, like Dr. Melinda Hall, is best-equipped to answer the question: How do I know I need a vulva biopsy?
That being said, your doctor may recommend a vulva biopsy to help determine the underlying cause of a number of different issues, including:
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Color changes in the vulva or vagina
- Recent lump or sore
What Happens During a Vulva Biopsy?
In addition to wondering – How do I know I need a vulva biopsy? – patients are often curious how the procedure is performed.
During a vulva biopsy, antiseptic is applied to cleanse the treatment area.
Your doctor will then insert an instrument called speculum and inject a local anesthetic to numb the tissue. This improves patient comfort and allows the provider to remove one or more samples of tissue, which are sent to the lab for testing.
In some cases, your doctor may suture the biopsied area with dissolvable sutures.
Post-procedure, patients are able to resume normal activities, including showering. They will need to keep the area clean and dry and may apply a thin layer of Vaseline if they experience any pain with urination.
Learn More
For additional information about vulva biopsy, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with board-certified gynecologist Dr. Melinda Hall