Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia coexisting with nonneoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva

Abstract

Objective: To assess the frequency of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) adjacent to the nonneoplastic epithelial disorders (NNEDs) of the vulva. Methods: Seventy eight patients with the diagnosis of vulvar NNEDs were reviewed retrospectively in respect to their coexistence with VINs, treatment options and follow-up reports. Results: The rate of VIN coexisting with vulvar NNEDs was 7.7% (6 of 78 patients). One of these (17%) had been associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1. The age of those with vulvar NNEDs were similar to the age of those with VIN and vulvar NNEDs. Treatment options for VINs were skinning vulvectomy or laser therapy. None of the patients had recurrence during the mean follow-up period of 15.5 months. Conclusion: VINs, which have a substantial risk of progressing to carcinoma, may not infrequently coexist with NNEDs of the vulva. Therefore, NNEDs of the vulva must be followed carefully with frequent colposcopic examinations and biopsies if new lesions are recognized.