This information leaflet is to give you information about how to look after yourself after having a vulval biopsy. If you have any questions or concerns after reading the leaflet contact the gynaecology / colposcopy specialist nurses. The telephone number is below.

What is the Vulva?

The vulva is the outer part of the female genitals. It is made up of:

  • the entrance to the vagina
  • the labia (vaginal lips)
  • the clitoris
  • the surrounding skin.
Why do I need a Vulval biopsy?

You have a problem in the vulval area. This may be:

  • pain
  • itching
  • blisters
  • lump
  • ulcer
  • rash.

Sometimes vulval problems can be diagnosed simply from their appearance. Sometimes other tests are needed like blood tests or swabs. Others are more difficult to diagnose, and a tissue sample is needed. If this is the case a biopsy can often give very useful information to help with a diagnosis or to suggest suitable treatment.

What is a Vulval biopsy?

A vulval biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the vulval area. it is then sent to the laboratory for analysis by a specially trained doctor called a histopathologist.

What happens during a Vulval biopsy?

The skin will be cleaned and local anaesthetic will be injected into the area. This can cause some brief stinging until the area goes numb. Once numb a small piece of tissue of a few millimetres in size is removed. Any bleeding will be stopped using silver nitrate or a small stitch (dissolvable suture). Occasionally if your vulva is very sore, a short general anaesthetic may be recommended. This will be arranged for a different day.

After the procedure

The anaesthetic usually wears off after about half an hour. After that the area may sting a little. You may feel more comfortable if you take a pain killer such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (if you are not allergic to it).

After you have the biopsy you may find that it stings when you pass urine. Try to be gentle when you wipe from front to back. Please continue to wash the vulval skin every day as normal. It is best to wash with water alone in a shower. If you have a bath make it quick but thoroughly rinse and avoid soaking in the bath for the first 2 to 3 days after the biopsy. This will allow the wound to dry out.

After washing it is important that you dry the area thoroughly. This can be done by gently dabbing the area (do not rub). Some women prefer to use a hairdryer on a cool setting to dry the sensitive skin. Keep the hairdryer well away from the area to avoid a blast of air.

Activities

Within a few days you will feel back to your normal self. It is advisable whilst the skin heals not to engage in activities that might irritate the wound such as horse riding, cycling, running or swimming. If stitches have been used avoid swimming until they have dissolved, or the area is fully healed. Sexual intercourse can be started again once the area is comfortable and fully healed. This may take a few days up to a couple of weeks.

Potential complications of having a Vulval biopsy

Having a vulval biopsy is a very quick, safe and straight forward procedure without significant risks. Occasionally, the site of a biopsy may bruise or leave a small scar.  If the wound starts to bleed after you leave the clinic, lie down and press on the area with a clean tissue. This will usually stop any bleeding. If it doesn't or you are worried contact the clinic or go to the Accident and Emergency unit.

Occasionally the wound can become infected. The symptoms of infection might be: 

  • pain
  • swelling
  • oozing
  • discharge.

Your GP should be able to prescribe some antibiotics if this happens.

How will I receive my results?

After the procedure, the clinician will explain how long the results are likely to take. The is usually 2- 3 weeks. You will be told the results and if a follow up is needed.

Useful contacts

We hope you have found this information useful. If there is something you do not understand or if you have any questions, please ask the clinic nurse or telephone our gynaecology / colposcopy secretaries on the number below. They can put you through to our nursing team.

Secretary
Cumberland Infirmary Tel: 01228814217

West Cumberland Hospital Tel: 01946 523217

Colposcopy Secretary

Tel: 01228 814220

 

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302