Treatment for vulval cancer

Main treatments for vulval cancer

Vulval cancer is often treatable.

The treatment you have will depend on:

• the size and type of vulval cancer you have
• where the cancer is
• if it has spread
• your general health

The main treatment for vulval cancer is usually surgery. You may also have radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

• explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
• work with you to create a treatment plan that's best for you
• help you to manage the side effects of treatment

If you have any questions or worries, you can talk to your specialist team. You do not have to wait for your next appointment.

Surgery

Surgery is usually the main treatment for vulval cancer, especially if the cancer is found early.

Surgery may involve removing:

• the cancer and an area of tissue around it
• part of your vulva
• the whole of your vulva, including the labia and sometimes the clitoris

You may also need to have some lymph nodes in your groin removed. These are part of the body's drainage system.

After removing the cancer, the surgeon will repair your vulva using the remaining skin. In some cases a specialist doctor (plastic surgeon) will need to reconstruct your vulva. They'll do this by using skin or muscle from other parts of your body.

You'll be supported through surgery and recovery by your specialist team.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays of radiation to kill cancer cells.

You may have radiotherapy for vulval cancer:

• before surgery, to shrink the cancer
• after surgery, to help stop the cancer coming back
• if you cannot have surgery
• if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells.

You may have chemotherapy for vulval cancer:

• before surgery, to shrink the cancer
• after surgery, to help stop the cancer coming back
• if you cannot have surgery
• to treat your symptoms if the cancer has spread

What happens if you've been told your cancer cannot be cured

If you've been diagnosed with advanced vulval cancer, it may be hard to treat and not possible to cure.

The aim of treatment will be to slow down the growth and spread of the cancer, to help with the symptoms, and help you live longer.

Finding out cancer cannot be cured can be very hard news to take in.

You'll be referred to a team of doctors and nurses called a symptom control team or palliative care team.

They will help you to manage your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.

The palliative care team can also help you and your loved ones get any other support you need.