Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia is a skin disorder that affects the vulva (outer part of the vagina). Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia is a precancerous condition i.e. it is no cancer but can potentially develop into Vulval Cancer when left untreated.
What exactly causes Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia and how does this regular skin disorder of the vagina leads to cancer? To know answers we take help from the top gynaecologist in India Dr Neelima Mantri in this blog. Read on to know:
Relation between Cancer & Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia:
Cancer happens when the cells of certain body organs rapidly divide to form lump tissue. Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia is a vulva skin disorder where certain changes happen to the skin cells that rapidly divide into the lines of cancer. These abnormal cells thus formed sometimes go away on their own or over the course of time (10 years) cause cancer.
To summarise – Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia is not vulva cancer, in a few cases it over time can develop into one. So it sure is a high-risk factor for Vulval Cancer.
What causes Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia?
The exact cause of Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia is not known but there are certain risk factors that increase the risk of contracting VIN, they are:
HPV virus: There are more than 100 strains and types 16 & 18 associated with VIN. It is a common infection and is passed on by sexual intercourse.
Weak immune system: The viruses like HPV are usually cleared by the system unless the patients’ immune system is weak. This can happen with bad lifestyle choices (smoking and alcohol consumption) or medications that may weaken the immune system.
Other vulval disorders: Vulval lichen sclerosus (VLS) or lichen planus (VLP) are some of the conditions that may further increase the risk of contracting VIN.
Symptoms of Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia:
“In few cases, Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN) does not cause any symptoms and it is identified during routine examination or tests during any other health problems”, says gynaecologist & laparoscopic surgeon in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri. In other cases, VIN can cause the following symptoms:
- Itching or burning sensation at the vulva that may worsen when peeing.
- Pain or soreness in vulva
- Pain during sex
- Red, white or dark patched vulva skin
- Thickened or warty skin on the vulva.
“A most of the above symptoms are too personal to disclose, women usually feel embarrassed to discuss and wait until they subside which is a mistake”, says gynaecologist Dr Neelima Mantri. Though VIN may take years to progress, the patients may not know or ignore it over time which may further increase the risk of cancer without their awareness. So it is always important to consult a gynaecologist at the first sign of problems with these sensitive organs.
Treatment for Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Mumbai:
Treatment for VIN depends on the extent, severity of the infection & symptoms of VIN. Mild VIN can be treated by regular medical check-ups by a gynaecologist in Mumbai.
While in a few cases medications creams like Imiquimod & Cidofovir are used, others may need Ablation and surgery for VIN. Only a gynaecologist can decide the treatment option after thoroughly monitoring the condition.
If you are in Mumbai and are looking for treatment in Mumbai, Dr Neelima Mantri is the top gynaecologist in Mumbai with expertise and experience in the treatment of Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia. You can Mail her here: info@drneelimamantri.com