The term VIN refers to particular changes which can occur in the skin that covers the vulva. VIN is not cancer and in some women it disappears without treatment. If the changes become more severe there is a chance that cancer might develop after many years, and so it is referred to as a pre-malignant condition. Although VIN used to be quite uncommon it is now being recognised and diagnosed more frequently. It can affect women of any age from the 20's onwards.

The common type of VIN is associated with an infection in the skin of the vulva by some types of the genital wart virus known as human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV (often known as wart virus) is a very common infection. There are over 100 types of the virus and the commonest types can cause warts on the skin of the hands or verrucas on the feet. Some types can affect the genital area including the cervix, vulva and anus.

Genital HPV infection is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during sex with someone who has the infection. HPV is so common that most sexually active women will be exposed to it at some time in their life. In most women their bodies own immune system will get rid of the HPV naturally without them ever knowing it was there. Some women notice genital warts. Some women have no visible warts, but the HPV can cause changes in the cells of the cervix or the vulva.

Infection with HPV on its own is unlikely to cause VIN. Other factors that depress the body’s immune system may also need be present such as smoking and much less commonly particular medicines (like those taken after transplant surgery) inherited immunity problems some rare bone marrow blood disorders.

The signs and symptoms of VIN vary and may include some or all of the following: n itching and soreness in the vulval area n burning, or a severe tingling sensation, that can become worse when passing urine n one or more areas of reddened or discoloured skin in the vulval area n raised areas of skin that can vary in size n a warty appearance of the skin.

All these above symptoms can be caused by many conditions other than VIN. Sometimes there are no symptoms and some women are diagnosed with VIN whilst having medical tests for other health problems.

VIN is not cancer but the cells of the vulva have changed. If the cell changes are mild treatment may not be needed, but your mother will need to have the area checked regularly by her doctor. Treatment may be needed if the changes are more severe. The type of treatment that is most appropriate for your mother will depend on several things such as how abnormal the cells are and the size of the affected area.