Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Nurses General Nursing

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History: I have recently gone through surgery for this condition and I had never heard of this precancerous condition until now. I am doing some research to find out how well informed others are of this condition. No one that I personally know, has ever heard of this. My doctor actually told me I am the first one she has ever had diagnosed with VIN and she has been practicing for at least 20 years.

My question: How many of you have ever heard of Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia?

You may ask me questions if you want, but I am not asking nor looking for any advice. I just would like to know if you have or have not heard of Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia.

Thank you!

Specializes in Health Information Management.

This condition came up when a member of my family was diagnosed with one of the nastier strains of HPV. She was told by the women's health clinic at her university what to watch out for, but has never seen any sign of it. That was the first and only time I've ever heard of VIN (please note: I'm not a nurse and never will be, so if you're trying to gather information regarding clinician awareness alone, please discount my comments). I'll be going through human pathophysiology soon, so I'll be curious to see if the condition rates a mention in the course material.

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Specializes in Home Care.

My question: How many of you have ever heard of Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia?

Thank you!

A friend of mine was diagnosed with this a few years ago, she went through treatment and is fine.

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I have chronic vulvar pain, so I know way more about vulvar issues than I care to admit. :(

According to an article in the September 2010 issue of Dermatological Therapy, "The incidence of VIN and invasive vulvar carcinoma is increasing worldwide. According to the Surveillance Epidemiology, and End Results database, the incidence of VIN has increased by 411%, from 0.56 cases per 100,000 women in 1973 to 2.86 cases per 100,000 women in 2000. The most significant increase has occurred in younger women up to age 40 to 49 years, followed by a decline in incidence."

The article is "Medical and surgical approaches to vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia". I can get you a copy of the pdf if you don't have access; just PM me your email address.

I actually suspect early-stage VIN is way under-diagnosed, because gyns don't routinely go looking for it.

AW

Kudos to your WHNP!!! It is amazing how many have never heard of this or have not had patients with this disease. I am sure those who specialize in this area see it quite often compared to those who are in a generalized practice.

I have been trying to find out what the percentage is of women have been diagnosed with VIN, but have been unsucessful in my search.

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Mine was VIN II-III. I had a wide local excision which turned into a partial inferior vulvectomy. I found the spot on my perineum, but when the surgeon did surgery it was more extensive than he originally thought.

I do not mind answering questions, so ask away.

Would you mind telling what it looked like when you found it on your perineum? You are so right; women need to be aware of the need to self-examine their genitals and peri-genital area and they need to know what to look for. Bless your soul for posting this thread.

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Specializes in Assisted Living Nurse Manager.
Would you mind telling what it looked like when you found it on your perineum? You are so right; women need to be aware of the need to self-examine their genitals and peri-genital area and they need to know what to look for. Bless your soul for posting this thread.

It was a small spot and it was a bluish gray color. I first thought it was just a normal pigmentation change and decided to just keep an eye on it. When it started fanning out into the tissue, is when I became concerned. You just never know!

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Specializes in Assisted Living Nurse Manager.
This condition came up when a member of my family was diagnosed with one of the nastier strains of HPV. She was told by the women's health clinic at her university what to watch out for, but has never seen any sign of it. That was the first and only time I've ever heard of VIN (please note: I'm not a nurse and never will be, so if you're trying to gather information regarding clinician awareness alone, please discount my comments). I'll be going through human pathophysiology soon, so I'll be curious to see if the condition rates a mention in the course material.

I am looking for anyone and everyone's response to this question, doesn't matter who you are, what you are or what you do for a living.

Thank you for responding, it is appreciated!!!!

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.
It was a small spot and it was a bluish gray color. I first thought it was just a normal pigmentation change and decided to just keep an eye on it. When it started fanning out into the tissue, is when I became concerned. You just never know!

How long did it take for the change (fanning out into the tissue) to occur?

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Specializes in LTC, Acute care.

Wow! Never heard of it either but I wish you a speedy recovery. I'll definitely be keeping a sharper eye on things, thanks for sharing.

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Specializes in Assisted Living Nurse Manager.
How long did it take for the change (fanning out into the tissue) to occur?

About a year or a little more.

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i think i've seen pictures of it... im not sure though... wish you a good recovery.. :nurse:

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

Never heard off it..off to look it up!

Wishing you the best and continued recovery.

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