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CANCER & TREATMENTS SUPPORT & SURVIVORSHIP PREVENTION & RISK ASSESSMENT CLINICAL TRIALS & RESEARCH | |
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Home > Prevention & Risk Assessment > Early Detection > Detecting Pre-cancerous Gynecologic Conditions 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. If you have an abnormal Pap smear or have already been diagnosed with CIN, the Colposcopy Clinic provides treatment. 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. If VAIN is found, the next step, in many cases, is a colposcopy (an exam with an instrument that visually magnifies the vaginal lining) and removal of the area (s) for biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. 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. |
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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center |
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