Hello everyone. I am new and was just diagnosed with VIN3.

Hi  and welcome to the online community

I'm sorry to hear that your biopsy sites are taking a long time to heal and that you've just been diagnosed with VIN3 or to give it it's new name, high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL).

I haven't had this myself but noticed that unfortunately no one from this group had felt able to give you any advice.

If you type VIN3 into the search bar in this group you'll find quite a lot of recent posts on this topic, which you could have a read of, and respond to any of the more recent ones if you want to ask questions.

I've also found this information for you from Cancer Research which explains what VIN3 is and how it's treated.

Wishing you all the best

x

Hi Ariv0511

So sorry for your diagnosis.  I was diagnosed some 8 years or so ago now, having been misdiagnosed by my GP for nearly 10 years.  I was lucky it never progressed to cancer.  I despair that even now, some years later, there seems very little knowledge about VIN and Vulval Cancer.  

With regard to biopsies, you need to be ultra clean and careful when you go to the loo.  Sounds naff but I was often peeing in the bath with the shower on at the same time as this not only provides some relief but washes away the wee that will sting. A jug of warm water by the toilet is another option.  Keep your own towel and flannel.  Don't rub of course!  I didn't use soap but an amollient as it helps also give a barrier for protection against germs.  I used acqueous cream, its very thick but found it helped me. You shouldn't use perfumed soap.  I guess some people heal quicker than others but as long as you keep the area clean, you should be ok.  Take some paracetamol of co-codamol if its painful.

I imagine your first appointment will be to discuss the results of biopsies and whether you require an operation to remove any infected area or other treatment.  I was previously prescribed Aldara cream, or imiquimod (I think its the same thing), supposed to boost your immunity and kill the bad skin cells.  Actually that's not very pleasant as the side effects aren't great.  But hey, if it does the job!  I'm not sure if this is used these days. Personally I've had various biopsies and waiting once again for more next month.  I've been lucky and just had the one small op so far to remove a small area. Aftercare is the same as with biopsies but dependent on the size and positioning will take as much care to heal and likely to be more uncomfortable as the area will be bigger than a biopsy site. 

I wish you luck and would like to say try not to worry too much as untl the appointment you don't know whether you require treatment or not.  I know that's hard, but I do think that being positive really helps. If you have any more specific questions please do ask.  I don't often respond on here as for some years I've been teetering around Vin 2 so not required further treatment, just 6-12 monthly check ups.  There are ladies here who have more recent experience.  Wish you luck on the 17th.  Take care x

It’s so nice to read your story. I was going to the GP for 9 months before I got my diagnosis. I’m due to have a wide local excision for VIN 3 on Wednesday. All I’ve done is cried since my diagnosis. I am so anxious about the future. I wish I could be positive about the future. I keep telling myself that being anxious will not change the outcome but do you think it will sink in! Maybe when I get the surgery done my feelings will change. I’m constantly checking myself at the moment so stressful. Knowing that you had your diagnosis 8 years ago gives me some hope.  Thank you x

Hi Ariv, I would follow everything that the other lady advised. I did all of this after my biopsies. I did however need a course of antibiotics. It might be worth contacting your GP or practice nurse. The nurse sent off a swab. I’m having a hard time too. I’m newly diagnosed with VIN 3 due to have a wide local excision on Wednesday. I understand they still use the cream and laser but for me they have recommended the surgery to get rid of the area. Wishing you luck and strength on 17th. 
xx