[Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia]

Abstract

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is a rare but premalig-nant condition. VIN has two aetiological pathways: a human papillomavirus (HPV)-dependent pathway, which is a vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and an HPV-independent pathway, called differentiated VIN (d-VIN), associated with lichen sclerosus. d-VIN is more aggressive than vulvar HSIL. In case of symptoms, a biopsy should be performed. The recurrence risk is high: 25-50% regardless of treatment type. We recommend treatment with imiquimod as first choice to avoid mutilating surgery. Particular attention must be payed to immunosuppressed patients with VIN. HPV-vaccine can be discussed with patients with vulvar HSIL.