This study considers female genital diseases in the post-meno-pausal period. Some of these conditions however, are found in pre-menopausal women at a considerably younger age because some diseases do not respect the menopause as a barrier or preventer of disease.
Leukoplakia of the Vulva. This is a disease seen during and after the menopause in which the skin surrounding the vagina has a distinctly, dry, whitened, and abnormally thickened appearance. The skin seems to shrink along with contraction of the vaginal entrance itself. Itching is very prominent in this skin, and invites scratching which only increases the soreness of this area.
Leukoplakia seems to be associated with a decrease of female hormone in the body after the menopause, and it continues its irritating course until properly treated. It is definitely considered a pre-cancerous condition, and frequently does turn into cancer. The only efficient treatment for leukoplakia is surgical removal, a simple and satisfactory treatment resulting in permanent cure.
Fig. 113. Growths of the vulva may be benign or cancerous. Though not common, they should be shown to the physician without delay.