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What does VILI positive mean?

Published in Cervical Cancer Screening 2 mins read

VILI positive indicates the presence of invasive cancer of the cervix, identified during a Visual Inspection with Lugol's Iodine (VILI) test.

Here's a breakdown:

  • VILI (Visual Inspection with Lugol's Iodine): This is a simple and inexpensive screening test for cervical cancer. Lugol's iodine solution is applied to the cervix. Healthy cervical cells contain glycogen and will stain brown or black as they absorb the iodine.

  • VILI Positive: A "VILI positive" result occurs when areas on the cervix do not stain brown or black after the application of Lugol's iodine. These areas appear yellow, whitish, or remain unstained. This suggests the presence of abnormal cells, including cancerous or precancerous cells. In the context of the provided reference, a "VILI positive" result, coupled with the visible presence of a frank, nodular, irregular, ulceroproliferative growth that turns densely yellow upon iodine application, specifically indicates invasive cancer.

  • Invasive Cancer: In this context, invasive cancer means the cancer has grown beyond the surface layer of the cervix and is invading deeper tissues. The visual characteristics described in the reference (nodular, irregular growth) are indicative of this stage.

Therefore, when a cervical examination reveals a VILI positive result and displays the physical characteristics of invasive cancer (as described in the provided reference), it signifies that invasive cancer is present. It is crucial to remember that a VILI-positive result alone does not automatically confirm invasive cancer. Further investigation and biopsy are necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the cancer.