Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia: report of 102 cases

Background: Vaginal intraepithelian neoplasia (VAIN) is a rare asymptomatic disorder. The aims of the current study were to profile patients with VAIN and to evaluate the response to treatment.

Material and methods: We reviewed the records of 102 patients with VAIN diagnosed from 1990 to 2000.

Results: Patients with VAIN, VAIN2 and VAIN3 had the following mean ages 44.5, 47.8 and 61.8 years, respectively (p < 0.001). All patients with VAIN were found to have abnormal Papanicolaou smears. Localization of the lesions to the upper third of the vagina was observed in 80% of the cases. Recurrences following laser ablation and partial vaginectomy reached 21%. Patients with minimal VAIN lesions from whom punch biopsies were obtained had the lowest recurrence rate. Multifocality significantly affected the risk of recurrence (p = 0.03).

Conclusion: VAIN most often involves the upper third of the vagina and is often multifocal. Patient selection and operator skill have a significant influence on the treatment outcome.

Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia; Treatment; Laser; Surgery; Vaginectomy

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