Definition

1. Noun:
   • A medical condition: "kraurosis vulvae" is a specific medical term referring to a progressive atrophy and shrinkage of the skin and mucous membranes of the vulva. It is characterized by dryness, thinning, and whitening of the tissues, often accompanied by itching and discomfort. Historically, it has been considered a potentially precancerous lesion.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient was diagnosed with kraurosis vulvae after reporting persistent vulvar itching and changes in skin texture.
  • Management of kraurosis vulvae focuses on symptom relief and regular monitoring for any cellular changes.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Context: The term is used almost exclusively in medical, gynecological, and dermatological literature and discussions. It describes a specific pathological state.
  • The biopsy was performed to rule out malignancy associated with long-standing kraurosis vulvae.

Variants and Related Words

• Kraurosis (n): The general medical term for atrophy and shrinkage of a mucous membrane or skin. "Kraurosis vulvae" is a specific form of this condition.
  • Kraurosis can also affect other areas, such as the glans penis (kraurosis penis).
• Lichen sclerosus (n): A modern dermatological term that often describes the same or a very similar clinical and pathological condition historically labeled as kraurosis vulvae. In contemporary medicine, "lichen sclerosus" is the more commonly used diagnosis.
  • The clinical presentation of lichen sclerosus is virtually indistinguishable from what was formerly called kraurosis vulvae.

Synonyms

• Lichen sclerosus (et atrophicus): The contemporary preferred term for the condition in most medical contexts.
• Vulvar atrophy: A broader, more descriptive term for thinning and shrinkage of vulvar tissues, which can be a feature of kraurosis vulvae but also has other causes (e.g., genitourinary syndrome of menopause).

Related Phrases

• Precancerous lesion: A phrase frequently associated with "kraurosis vulvae" in historical and some current medical texts, indicating its potential to develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated and unmonitored.
  • Due to its status as a precancerous lesion, regular follow-up is essential for patients with kraurosis vulvae.

Noun

1. kraurosis of the vulva; often a precancerous lesion