Vulval Intra-epithelial Neoplasia (VIN)

It is difficult to find easy to read information about VIN. Most articles are published by Doctors and contain many medical terms. I will try to explain as much as possible about VIN 1,2 or 3.

VIN is NOT Cancer but pre-Cancer and often seen in women of the age of 65 + and is a disorder of the skin cells (Neoaplasia). But of course it is also seen in younger women. It can effect 1, 2 or all 3 layers of the skin, hence VIN 1, 2 or 3. VIN3 is also called Carcinoma in Situ, or Cancer "in place" as it has not spread. It is also called Skin Cancer but it is of a completely different type then the skin Cancer caused by too much sun. I prefer the name Pre-Cancer and not Skin Cancer. Often it is seen by women who smoke. 60% of the nicotine in a womans body settles in the area of the Vulva, Vagina, Cervix, Whom. (Imagine what happens when a man "donates" nicotine-infected sperm). An other cause can be HPV Human Papilloma Virus (see Headline HPV on this page). There are more then 100 different types of HPV. Some of them are of low risk and some are of high risk. Just a very few are causing Pre Cancer and Cancer in women and men!! (Penis skin Cancer and mouth Cancer). 80% of the people have a HPV of some sort, it is a Sexual Transmitted Disease and condomes are of no help. If you are a virgin having sex with another virgin and never with some one else, you might never develope HPV.  Note: HPV is NOT something to be a shamed of!!!!!

VIN is very rare. In Holland the Academic Hospital in Groningen (AZG) and the Hospital in Amsterdam (AMC) are the only ones who deal with VIN and Vulva Cancer. VIN 1 en 2 do not need surgical treatment but must be well looked after and check ups will be at least once a year. Some Specialists think VIN 3 does not have to be treated either but I have spoken to too many women who now have Vulva Cancer because of no treatment. VIN 1 and 2 in combination with Genital warts, can be treated with special creams. VIN3 can be treated with Surgical or Laser treatment but might return after 2 years or more, especially when a HPV is the cause of the Neoplasia. VIN can also be caused by a bad Physical condition or when the woman is under a lot of stress. Therefore developing VIN does not mean the woman also has a HPV, but this is extemely rare. In my case, the cells were not HPV typical and I never smoked a cigarette, but my life was very hectic at the time and I just recovered from Glandular Fever.

When I noticed little white pads in November 2002, I went to see my GP who thought these were unfamiliar Genital Warts and he sent me to the Dermathologist. The Dermathologist said it were no warts and did some biopsies. 2 Weeks later I was told I had Vulval Skin Cancer grade 3. My next visit was to the Gynaecologist/Oncologist in the AZG who booked an appointment for a "Vinegar Wash". The Vinegar shows all abnormalities in the skin and where necessary they could do some biopsies. They did 4 with me and 2 weeks later I received the wonderful message that it wasn't VIN 3 anymore but VIN1! My body cured the VIN which means it must be extremely healthy, not infected by Nicotine. So VIN does not mean you are going to die because of Cancer and it does not have to develope into Cancer. Though again: it must be well looked after!!!!!!!! Now, June 2004, there isn't any sign of VIN anymore

Ike