What causes a Venous Malformation (VM) to develop in the labia area at age 50? Do high or low levels of estrogen & progesterone cause the VM to get bigger? Will the VM shrink or get bigger during menopause? Can the VM be surgically removed forever?
I don't think this has anything to do with hormones. An ultrasound examination of her lower extremities would be helpful and possibly a CT venogram of the pelvis. Usually these can just be treated in the office with sclerotherapy
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Venous malformations are not typically associated with hormones. They are usually treated with sclerotherapy (injections) rather than with surgery.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I recommend a radiologic study (venography) to rule out pelvis congestion. This can be performed by an interventional radiologist who may be able to inject these veins at the same time.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
These malformations are developed during the fetal developmental process, but do not necessarily make themselves known until later in life. People begin to have the physical symptoms at different times in life. It is important to determine if they are venous malformations or varicose veins. As far as the malformations shrinking or growing, that would probably be just a natural occurrence due to blood flow; same with varicose veins. Surgical procedures are used to remove malformations. Sometimes ablations are used to treat as well. Finding an interventional radiologist would be helpful. They will request an ultrasound and possibly a MRI if necessary to help with the diagnosis.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Venous malformations are congenital abnormalities which means that they are present at birth. They may be very small and may enlarge very slowly or may expand rapidly due to changes, such as pregnancy. Sometimes, varicose veins of the labia are mistaken to be venous malformations and vice versa. They may also both be present. Surgical excision rarely is the right treatment for venous malformations of the labia. The best treatment most of the time is foam sclerotherapy since it can be done with ultrasound or x-ray guidance and does not cause the morbidity and complications associated with surgical treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012