Educating myself in "doctorspeak" enough to understand the pathology reports meant accessing as high quality explanations as possible. Therefore, directly from the BC Cancer Agency itself comes this letter:

Dear Michelle;
 
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
 
VIN stands for vulvar intra-epithial neoplasia, which basically means carcinoma in-situ of the vulva.
 
The III indicates a grade 3 intra-epithelial tumor. "Grade" is used to designate the aggressiveness of the tumour, or how fast the tumour is invading the vulvar tissue in the epithelial layer of the surface of the vulva. Grade I is the lowest grade, or least invasive.
 
Please go back to your family doctor or specialist to discuss this information if you have further questions or concerns.
 
Library/Cancer Information Centre
BC Cancer Agency

The following pathology report caused my oncologist's decision to schedule surgery #8 immediately. It would involve plastic surgery grafting assistance in reconstruction of extensive excisions. This was the lead up to THE BIG DECISION.

August 12, 2002
 
Surgical Specimen
Final Diagnosis:
 
Vulva, wide excision:
 
Extensive VIN III with focus of invasive well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma identified at 6 to 7 o'clock.
 
Focus of invasive carcinoma measures 2 mm in width and 1.4 mm in depth.
 
Invasive carcinoma extends to the cauterized right infero-lateral margin.
 
No angiolymphatic invasion identified.
 
VIN III extends to all cauterized margins of excision.
 
VIN III involves the urethral orifice.
 
Comment: The invasive carcinoma is located in the 6 to 7 o'clock position of the excision specimen and does extend to the blue inked, right infero-lateral margin of excision. All other margins, including the deep margin, are clear of invasive carcinoma.
 
An additional focus suspicious for micrinvasive carcinoma (0.2 mm) is noted near the 1 o'clock position.

In the 5 ½ months between pathology reports, the differences are dramatic. I truly believe this is the result of my lifestyle choices and dietary changes.

Yes, I'm betting with my life.

March 11, 2003
 
Colposcopic biopsy vulva:
 
Microscopic Diagnosis:
 
Vulva biopsy - vulva with squamous cell carcinoma in situ (VIN III).
Negative for invasion.

Michelle before August 2002	Michelle after March 2003

Top  |  Back to Story Index  |  Next »