VIN is typed by how the lesions and cells look: usual-type VIN and differentiated-type VIN. It is sometimes graded VIN2 and VIN3, with the number 3
indicating furthest progression toward a true cancer
.
Is VIN 3 malignant or benign?
The grades VIN 1, VIN 2, and VIN 3 refer to how deeply the abnormal cells go into the surface layer of the skin. If the abnormal cells break through the basement membrane into the deeper tissue, it is classed as
vulval cancer
.
Is VIN III considered cancer?
Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is a skin condition of the vulva. The vulva is the area between a woman’s legs that includes the female external sex organs. Abnormal cells develop in the surface layers of the skin covering the vulva. It is
not vulval cancer but could turn into a cancer
.
How long does it take for VIN to turn into cancer?
This means there are changes to certain cells in the vulva that are not cancerous, but could potentially turn into cancer at a later date. This is a gradual process that usually takes
well over 10 years
.
What does VIN III mean?
High-grade vulval intraepithelial neoplasia
(VIN 3): a retrospective analysis of patient characteristics, management, outcome and relationship to squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva 1989-1999.
Does Vin 3 come back?
A systematic review of 3,322 published patients with VIN III showed a
recurrence rate of 19% after vulvectomy
, 18% after partial vulvectomy, 22% after local excision, and 23% after laser evaporation [
6
].
How do I know if I have vulvar cancer?
- Constant itching.
- Changes in the color and the way the vulva looks.
- Bleeding or discharge not related to menstruation.
- Severe burning, itching or pain.
- An open sore that lasts for more than a month.
- Skin of the vulva looks white and feels rough.
What does VIN cancer look like?
itching and soreness of the vulva
.
pain in the area of the vulva
.
burning or tingling of the vulva
, that can become worse when peeing (passing urine) thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the vulva.
What does VIN feel like?
People may experience feelings of
anxiety, depression and embarrassment
around the diagnosis. Some may also feel concerned about the appearance of the vulva. The vulvar skin that is abnormal (VIN) may be red, white and or pigmented. The area may be a bump or rough patch.
What age does vulvar cancer occur?
Age. The risk of vulvar cancer goes up as women age. Less than 20% of cases are in women younger than age 50, and more than half occur in women over age 70. The
average age of women diagnosed with invasive vulvar cancer is 70
, whereas women diagnosed with non-invasive vulvar cancer average about 20 years younger.
How do you get rid of precancerous cells?
A precancerous lesion affecting these cells is called AIS. Treatments for precancerous lesions include
excision (surgical removal of the abnormal area, also referred to as a cone biopsy or conization, or loop electrosurgical excision procedure [LEEP])
, cryosurgery (freezing), and laser (high-energy light).
How is VIN diagnosed?
Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, also known as VIN, is a non-invasive squamous lesion and precursor of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva. There is no screening test for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. Diagnosis of VIN
is made clinically and confirmed with a biopsy
.
What happens if you have precancerous cells?
Sometimes
precancerous cells progress to cancer
, but more often they don’t. They may stay the same—that is, remain abnormal but not invasive—or they may even become normal again. It’s important to emphasize again that cells that are precancerous are not cancer cells.
Can you have Vin without HPV?
Even if it remains in the body,
most people infected with HPV do not go on to develop VIN
. So, although most cases of VIN are associated with HPV, most women who are infected with HPV do not develop VIN. The HPV vaccine provides protection against usual-type VIN. HPV infection by itself may not directly cause VIN.
What is removed in a vulvectomy?
In a simple vulvectomy,
the entire vulva is removed
(the inner and outer labia; sometimes the clitoris, too) as well as tissue just under the skin. A partial or modified radical vulvectomy removes part of the vulva, including the deep tissue.
Why would you need a vulvectomy?
A vulvectomy is a procedure where a surgeon removes all or part of the vulva — the vulva includes the inner and outer labia. In some instances, a surgeon will also remove the clitoris. The purpose of the procedure is
to remove cancerous, precancerous, or other unhealthy tissue
.
