Home > Cancers and Treatments > Gynecologic Cancers > Gynecologic Cancer Resources

Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN)

Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN) are pre-cancerous cells found in the vagina, or the passage leading from the vulva to the uterus in women.

Early detection and treatment of precancerous cells can prevent them from becoming cancerous. Otherwise, the abnormal cells can become cancer and spread to other parts of the body.

Pap tests

Pap tests can detect precancerous and cancerous conditions by collecting cells from the surface of the cervix. Sometimes these cells appear abnormal, or atypical, when looked at under a microscope, but they are not completely cancerous. These are called premalignant or precancerous cells, which means they might turn into cancer if not found and treated early enough.

According to the National Cancer Institute, vaginal cancer is rare and when found in early stages (VAIN), it can often be cured. It is found most often in women aged 60 or older.

Please note: Carcinoma in Situ is a term used for the early stage of cancer in which the tumor is confined to the organ where it first developed. The disease has not invaded other parts of the organ or spread to distant parts of the body. Most in situ carcinomas are highly curable. SIL can also be considered a carcinoma in Situ.

Early detection and treatment of precancerous cells can prevent them from becoming cancerous. Otherwise, the abnormal cells can become cancer and spread to other parts of the body.

Pap tests

Pap tests can detect precancerous and cancerous conditions by collecting cells from the surface of the cervix. Sometimes these cells appear abnormal, or atypical, when looked at under a microscope, but they are not completely cancerous. These are called premalignant or precancerous cells, which means they might turn into cancer if not found and treated early enough.

Treatment Options for Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN)

Women diagnosed with VAIN are seen in our Colposcopy Clinic. Learn more about this clinic by visiting the Colposcopy Clinic webpage.

Or, call 734-647-8906 to make an appointment.

Still have questions?

The nurses at Cancer AnswerLine™ have answers. Call 1-800-865-1125 and you'll get a personal response from one of our registered nurses, who have years of experience in caring for people with cancer.

Return to top

Cervical Cancer Screening Resources

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
this program provides low-income, uninsured, and underserved women access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services.