Vulval cancer

About Vulval cancer

Cancer of the vulva is a rare cancer and it can affect anyone that has a vulva. Vulva is the name given to the skin outside of the body that surrounds the opening of the vagina. This cancer mainly affects older women above the age of 65 years.

Vulva cancer can occur on any part of the vulva, but the most common sites are the outer lips (labia majora) and the inner lips (labia minora).

It can also involve the clitoris, bartholins glands (two small glands on the side of the vagina) and the perineum (the skin between the vulva and the anus).

What to expect from diagnostic tests and investigations

CT scan

CT scans take pictures of your body. If vaginal cancer is suspected you will have an abdomen and pelvis CT. This normally takes around 10 minutes.

MRI scan

MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create a cross-sectional picture of the body. You will have an MRI scan to see if your cancer has spread. The scan itself normally takes around 45 minutes to one hour.

PET scan

Position emission tomography (PET) scans produce detailed three-dimensional images of inside the body. The images can clearly show the part of the body being investigated, including any abnormal areas which appears bright on the scan suggesting potential cancer spread.

Treatment options for Vulval cancer

The treatment for vulva cancer depends on a number of factors such as if it has spread, your health and your personal preference. If your cancer is in the early stages it may be possible to remove it completely. However, if it has spread this may not be possible.

Your specialist team will advise which, if any of the below, are suitable for you: How much tissue is removed during surgery will depend on the type and size of your cancer, the location of the tumour and whether there is evidence of lymphatic spread.

Surgery

Surgery can include:

Wide local excision

Removal of the tumour and a margin of normal tissue around it.

Partial vulvectomy

Removal or part of the vulva or labia removed from one side.

Radical vulvectomy

The vulva is removed, including the inner and outer labia and clitoris with a wide margin of healthy tissue.

Sentinel lymph node sampling

This checks the lymph nodes near the vulva for signs of cancer. If your cancer has spread, these sentinel nodes are likely to be first affected.

Groin node dissection

This removes all the lymph nodes in your groin, as well as the surrounding fatty and connective tissue.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a treatment where radiation is used to destroys cancer cells and is the main treatment for vaginal cancer. You may receive chemotherapy at the same time as your radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment which uses medicine to destroys cancer cells. You may have chemotherapy on its own or with other anti-cancer treatments.

Living with and beyond cancer

After completing your cancer treatment If you have any symptoms or concerns contact your clinical nurse specialist and your GP.