Relationship of vulvar lichen sclerosus et atrophicus to carcinoma

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus was an associated lesion in 16 of 30 (53%) patients with invasive vulvar carcinoma. In one case invasive carcinoma developed in the background of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. Additionally in one case lichen sclerosus was found at the margin of the carcinoma. Despite the low malignant potential, patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus et atrophicus need long-standing observation and recurrent histologic examinations.