Gynecologic Oncologists at Mercy Diagnose and Treat Lower Genital Tract Disease

What are Lower Genital Tract Diseases?

Lower genital tract diseases involve the lower portion of the female reproductive system, which includes the vagina, vulva, and lower cervix. Intraepithelial neoplasia, or pre-cancerous lesions, is a common form of lower genital tract disease. Managing these pre-cancerous diseases is important to help prevent cancer.

Types of Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia is a condition in which the skin of the vagina changes. This type of intraepithelial neoplasia can disappear without treatment, but if the abnormal skin cell growth becomes severe, it can change into cancer. Often there are no indications of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia and it is found during other medical tests, including the Pap smear. A colposcopy, which helps magnify the area, may be used to fully diagnose the condition.

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia is a condition in which there is abnormal cell growth on the vulvar skin. Often it can disappear without treatment. Although it is not cancer, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia has the ability to change into cancer, which can develop slowly.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is a condition in which cells grow abnormally on the lower cervix surface. This condition is not cancerous but should be monitored for any signs of advancing to a cancerous stage.

Treatment for lower genital tract diseases will depend on the type and severity of the disease that is detected. The gynecologic oncologists at Mercy work with each woman to develop a treatment plan suited to their particular needs.