Vulvar Cancer Treatment

Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the external female genital organs. Treatment options depend on the stage and type of cancer, including surgery, radiation, and targeted therapies designed to minimize impact on quality of life.

Surgery

Surgery is usually the first step in treating vulvar cancer. Options include:

• Removing the tumor along with a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are gone.
• Removing part or all of the vulva for larger cancers, sometimes after shrinking the tumor with radiation or chemotherapy.
• Removing lymph nodes to check if the cancer has spread. If needed, more lymph nodes may be removed to lower the risk of further spread.
• Surgery can have side effects like infection, slow healing, and swelling in the legs (lymphedema).

Radiation Therapy

• Radiation uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It may be used:
• Before surgery to shrink large tumors.
• After surgery if cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes.
• Alongside low-dose chemotherapy to make it more effective.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses strong drugs, usually given through a vein or as pills, to kill cancer cells. It may be used:

• If the cancer has spread.
• With radiation to shrink tumors before surgery or to treat cancer in the lymph nodes.

Targeted Therapy

• This treatment uses medicine to block specific chemicals in cancer cells, helping destroy them. It’s mainly used for advanced cases.
  

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It’s usually for advanced vulvar cancer.

Follow-Up Care

Since vulvar cancer can return, regular checkups are needed. Follow-up exams are typically done 2 to 4 times a year for the first two years after treatment.