Trends in Vulvar Neoplasia:: Increasing Incidence of Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva in Young Women

The reported incidence of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) has been increasing in many countries. This study compared the numbers of cases of VIN and squamous cell cancer of the vulva seen in Austria during two 4-year periods spaced 10 years apart. The authors reviewed the records of all patients treated for high-grade VIN and invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva from 1985 through 1988 and from 1995 through 1998. During the first 4-year period, 29 patients were diagnosed with VIN 2 or 3. Twelve of these women (41.3%) were less than 50 years old. From 1995 to 1998, 99 cases of VIN 2 or 3 were treated; 59 of the patients (59.6%) were less than 50 years old. Invasive squamous cell cancer of the vulva was diagnosed in 126 patients (7 These findings indicate a 307% increase in the overall incidence of high-grade VIN and a 394% increase among younger women. Although there were fewer cases of squamous cell cancer of the vulva seen in the latter period, in women under 50 years of age the diagnosis of invasive disease increased by 157%. Younger women made up only 5% of the patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva seen during 1985–1988, but they made up 16% of the patients during 1995-1998 (P