Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia 3: A Clinico-Pathological Review in a Tertiary Care Centre Over 10 Years

Vulval Intraepithelial Neoplasia 3 (VIN) is a chronic, premalignant condition affecting the vulval skin. The age standardised incidence is approximately one per 100,000 women, with a peak at 30-49 years of age, and has risen over recent decades. This study would analyse the pattern of presentation, diagnosis, treatment and follow up of patients diagnosed with VIN 3 over a period of ten years at a tertiary care centre in India.

This was a retrospective study conducted on all patients diagnosed to have VIN 3 between 1 January 2010 to 30 November 2019 in the Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Christian Medical College, Vellore were included in this study. The outpatient records of the patients were obtained from an electronic registry.

A total of 18 patients were diagnosed of VIN 3 during this time period. Sixteen patients were older than 50 years. Abnormal PAP was noted in 10 patients (HSIL-7, LSIL-2, ASC-H-1). Four patients had coexisting VAIN 3. About 16 patients underwent primary simple vulvectomy or wide local excision. Two patients were managed conservatively. Nine patients had recurrence with mean disease free interval of 12.5 months (4-36 months). Cryotherapy was used in 2 patients. Imiquimod was used in 3 patients. Surgical margins was achieved in 7 patients out of which 5 patients had recurrence. About 50% of patients with involved margins on biopsy had recurrence. Mean duration of follow up was 17 months (4-105 months). About 8 patients developed squamous cell carcinoma of genital tract on follow up.

VIN 3 has a high rate of progression to invasive SCC. Regression of VIN is rare. Proper follow up and treatment of VIN 3 goes a long way in preventing the morbidity associated with vulval cancer.