Pre Cancer of Vulva (VIN)

Our Specialists:

• Dr Ashfaq Khan

 Human papillomavirus (HPV)

 Lichen Sclerosis

 Herpes simplex virus

 Granuloma inguinale, a sexually transmitted disease (STD)

 Smoking

 Immunosuppression

 Chronic vulvar irritation

Symptoms of VIN

Symptoms may vary:

 Chronic vulvar itching

 Burning, tingling or soreness in the vulva area

 Change in appearance of skin (i.e. redness or white, discoloured skin)

 Slightly raised skin lesions; some may appear darkened like a mole or freckle

 Pain during sex

In rare cases, there may be no symptoms initially.

Diagnosis of VIN

Diagnosis may include:

 A physical exam

 Vulvoscopy, a special microscope to closely examine the tissue for abnormal areas

 A biopsy of the affected area.

How Is VIN Treated?

Treatment varies depending on how abnormal the skin cells are, the size of the affected area, and the estimated risk of the area developing into vulvar cancer.

Treatment options include:

 Steroid cream to reduce inflammation and control symptoms, with close monitoring

 Surgery to remove the abnormal tissue

 Laser therapy to destroy targeted areas of abnormal cells, using a beam of light

 Diathermy, which uses a tiny electrical current to cut out the affected areas

 Topical chemotherapy cream to remove abnormal cells

 Vulvectomy, removal of the whole vulva, in rare cases where the affected areas are very large

VIN can recur after treatment, therefore regular follow-up appointments are highly recommended.