Rapid Spontaneous Regression of Acute-Onset Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia 3 in Young Women

OBJECTIVE: Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia 3 (VIN 3)/vulvar carcinoma in situ is currently treated by surgical excision, laser ablation, or topically with 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod. The rate of progression of untreated VIN 3/vulvar carcinoma in situ to invasive cancer is significant, although difficult to assess, because most patients undergo treatment. The peak incidence of invasive carcinoma of the vulva occurs in the sixth decade, which may indicate that human papillomavirus (HPV)-related preinvasive disease in the younger population has a lower progression rate. However, the risk of invasive disease cannot be disregarded. METHODS: This is a case series of complete spontaneous resolution of untreated VIN 3/vulvar carcinoma in situ in 5 healthy women aged 20 to 36 years from a single community gynecologic oncologist practice from 2006 to 2010. RESULTS: Complete spontaneous regression of acute VIN 3/vulvar carcinoma in situ was reported in 6 healthy young women aged 20 to 36 years. New sexual partners were reported in 2 of the 6 patients preceding the onset of vulvar lesions within 6 months. All patients were nonsmokers, healthy without known immunocompromise, and noted the acute onset of vulvar lesions. Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia 3/vulvar carcinoma in situ was diagnosed on biopsy and confirmed on independent review. All lesions were multifocal in nature. Time to spontaneous regression was 6, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 20 weeks after initial biopsy. No patient received the HPV vaccine. Recurrence has not been noted in any of the patients within the follow-up period of 6 to 60 months. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term follow-up with conservative management of acute-onset VIN 3/vulvar carcinoma in situ in this young patient population correlates with similar treatment strategies for HPV-related cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of the cervix and may prevent disfigurement, pain, and complications associated with the current recommended therapeutic modalities. The timing of intervention for VIN 3/vulvar carcinoma in situ in the young population needs clarification. Future studies are in order.