Section Editor: Kianoosh Keyhanian MD FRCPC
May 25, 2026
The vulva is the outer part of the female genitals, including the skin folds (labia) and the area around the opening of the vagina. It is covered by skin, so many vulvar conditions are similar to skin conditions found elsewhere on the body. When tissue is removed from the vulva, a pathologist examines it under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the vulva. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Select any article below to learn more.
Cancers of the vulva
This diagnosis is a cancer that develops in the vulva. The article explains how it is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of vulvar cancer. It develops from the squamous cells that make up the surface of the skin. This article explains how it is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.
Precancerous changes
These diagnoses describe changes in the cells of the vulva that are not invasive cancer. They range from low-grade changes that often go away on their own to higher-grade changes that are treated to prevent cancer from developing. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, or VIN, is a general name for precancerous changes in the squamous cells of the vulva. This article gives an overview of the diagnosis and the different types.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia or VIN, or you want a general overview before reading about a specific type.
Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
A low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, or LSIL, is a mild change in the squamous cells of the vulva, usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It often goes away on its own. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or LSIL of the vulva.
High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
A high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, or HSIL, is a precancerous change in the squamous cells of the vulva that is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or HSIL of the vulva, also called usual type VIN.
Differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
Differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, or dVIN, is a precancerous change in the squamous cells of the vulva that is not linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia or dVIN.
Extramammary Paget disease is an uncommon condition in which abnormal gland-forming cells are found in the skin of the vulva. It is usually a non-invasive change. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions extramammary Paget disease of the vulva.
Noncancerous conditions
This diagnosis is a noncancerous condition of the vulva. It is not cancer. The article explains what this diagnosis means and what a pathologist looks for.
Lichen sclerosus is a common, noncancerous, long-lasting skin condition of the vulva. This article explains what a pathologist sees in lichen sclerosus and why it is followed over time.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions lichen sclerosus of the vulva.
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