Cancer of the Vulva

Alternative names:

cancer of the perineum

Treatment:

Laser treatments may be used for very small or localized lesions. Surgical removal may be necessary in other cases. Infrequently, the topical (applied to a localized area of the skin) application of a cancer chemotherapy drug is useful.

Support groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

Five-year survival rates in women who are diagnosed and treated in the early stages of vulvar cancer can be excellent. The outcome depends on the size of the lesion, the type of cancer, and whether or not spreading (metastases) to the lymph nodes of the region has occurred. Recurrence at or near the original site is fairly common.

Complications:

Without treatment, cancer of the vulva may progress to invasive carcinoma and eventual death.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any vulvar lesion, color changes, or local irritation persists longer than 2 weeks.