What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vagina
• Vaginal Epidermolytic Acanthoma

What is Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa? (Definition/Background Information)

• Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa is a benign tumor that occurs in the vagina
• It is an uncommon condition that occurs on the vagina as a painless, elevated papule. It can occur in a wide range of females
• The cause of Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa is generally unknown
• In a majority of cases, no treatment is necessary, unless it causes worrisome symptoms or cosmetic concerns in the individual
• A simple surgical excision of the lesion is considered curative. The prognosis for Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa is excellent with suitable treatment

Who gets Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa can affect females of any age
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic background can be affected. Worldwide, no geographical localization has been reported

What are the Risk Factors for Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa? (Predisposing Factors)

The following risk factors may be responsible for the occurrence of Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa:

• Prolonged sun exposure, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
• Use of tanning beds, tanning parlors
• Injury to the skin

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa? (Etiology)

• The cause of development of Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa is unknown. Some researchers believe that it may be due to exposure to sunlight
• Genetic mutations have been detected in some cases, which are currently being characterized
• The condition is non-infectious; it does not spread through sexual transmission (or by direct physical contact) from one individual to another

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa?

The signs and symptoms of Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa include:

• It may occur as a single or multiple raised papules. A papule is an area of abnormal skin tissue that is less than 1 centimeter around. Usually a papule has distinct borders, and it can appear in a variety of shapes
• It is slow-growing and may range in size from 2 mm to 2 cm
• The nodule is usually painless and non-itchy
• The papule appears in the mucosal regions of the vagina

How is Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa may involve the following:

• A thorough medical history and physical examination
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa?

Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa is an uncommon and benign tumor. It does not cause any significant complication. But in some cases, the following may be observed:

• Pain and discomfort during sex causing emotional stress
• Longstanding lesions can cause self-image issues, emotional stress, and psychological trauma in some individuals, leading to depression

How is Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa Treated?

The treatment of Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa may involve the following:

• In a majority of cases, removal of the tumor is not necessary, unless it causes bothersome signs and symptoms such as severe discomfort
• The treatment of choice is a complete surgical excision, which results in a cure
• Provide counseling therapy for emotional and psychological issues; some women may mistakenly believe that Vaginal Epidermolytic Acanthoma is due to a sexually-transmitted disease

How can Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known methods to prevent Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa occurrence. However, some of the risk factors may be recognized and controlled. These include:

• Avoid or minimize sun exposure
• Limit the use of tanning beds, tanning parlors
• Avoid chewing tobacco and smoking

What is the Prognosis of Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa is excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign tumor.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Epidermolytic Acanthoma of Vaginal Mucosa:

• There is no evidence to prove that the intake of certain foods have an influence on epidermolytic acanthoma development
• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
• The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for the condition. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which may help the condition from getting worse