Vulval disorders
Definition/Description
Commonly present with pruritis and pain
*benign small cysts/lumps not causing symptoms do not require treatment or referral which includes Bartholin’s cysts.
Red Flag Symptoms
Vulval ulceration or increasing lesion of vulval skin-refer Suspected Gynaecological Cancer 2WW fast track referral proforma
Guidelines on Management
- Exclude vulval candidiasis
- Examine vulval, perianal area, vagina, cervix.
- Look for any evidence of systemic illness by examining rest of skin and oral mucosa
- Most common vulval disorders are:
- Lichen sclerosus - for management see below
- Atrophic vulvovaginitis
Investigations prior to referral
- Consider TFT/HbA1c
- Swabs if clinical signs of infection
Referral Criteria/Information
Indications for referral
- Lesions or conditions not responding to management below
Information to include in referral letter
- Description of vulva and any lesion
- Smear history
- Relevant past medical/surgical history
- Current regular medication
- BMI
- Smoking Status
Referral Criteria
- Lesions or conditions not responding to management above
- Detail treatments tried, duration, problems etc and results of suggested investigations
Additional Resources & Reference
Associated Policies
Specialties
Places covered by
- North Yorkshire
- Vale of York
Hospital Trusts
-
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals
Date created:
21/09/2026, 14:15
Last modified:
23/09/2026, 11:12
Date due for review:
30/06/2026