Treatment of Vulvar Cancer

One step of treatment of vulvar cancer is the procedure of removal of cancer and some healthy tissue around the vulva (usually about 1 centimeter) or extensive radial surgery excision. However there are also cases of vulvar cancer that require the vulva to be completely removed, including the clitoris and underlying tissue called radical vulvectomy.

The procedure of removal of the vulva has a risk of infection until the appearance of discomfort while sitting for a long time. You may not be able to feel the genital area and can not reach orgasm during sexual intercourse.

The earlier the vulvar cancer can be diagnosed, the less likely it is that this procedure is needed. Here are some procedures for removal of other vulvar cancers.

- Partial Vulvectomy. In this procedure, only a portion of the vulva and underlying tissue are removed.

- Pelvic exenteration procedure for advanced cancer. This procedure is performed if the cancer has spread beyond the vulva to other organs, by removing all parts of the vulva and related organs, eg the large intestine. A hole will be made in the stomach (stoma) so that dirt or urine can be inserted into the ostomy pouch. This action includes into major operations that are currently not done much anymore.

- Reconstruction procedure. Cancer removal procedures in larger areas usually leave wide wounds that can not close by itself. This occurs in cancer that has spread to surrounding tissue. In this case, the doctor will perform reconstructive surgery by taking the skin from other body parts to cover the area.

In addition to the removal of the vulva, lymph node removal procedures may also be performed at the same time if the cancer has spread to this area. This process causes fluid retention and swelling of the feet called lymphedema.

Lymph nodes can also be removed through sentinel node biopsy surgery by taking samples of easily infected lymph nodes, then testing them on the presence of cancer cells. If no cancer cells are found, then there is a chance the cancer has not spread to other lymph nodes.

Like other cancer treatments, vulvar cancer can also be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of both.

Chemotherapy. Patients with vulvar cancer with the spread of cancer cells in other body areas can choose this step to help kill cancer cells. Medicines can be consumed or inserted through a blood vessel in the arm. Chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy generally aims to minimize cancer in order to facilitate surgical procedures.

Radiation therapy. In addition to shrinking cancer cells, radiation therapy is also used in cases of cancer cells that have spread to the lymph nodes after undergoing surgery. Therapy is done by exposing high-power energy, such as X-rays, to areas that have been determined on the surface of the skin.

Routine medical examination after handling of vulvar cancer will still be necessary to monitor the patient's condition and ensure the cancer cells are not re-established. Therefore it is very important to check regularly post-treatment.

Prevention of Vulva Cancer

Performing a routine medical check-up (medical check-up) can help you monitor health as well as detect diseases that are not previously known. Talk with your doctor about the ideal time range for regular medical check-ups. You can also consult about pelvic exam schedule. Procedure pelvic examination will provide information about the condition of your reproductive organs.

Some preventive measures that can also be done to reduce the risk of vulvar cancer and sexually transmitted diseases such as HPV or HIV are:

- Using a condom each time you have sex.

- Limit the number or not bergonta sexual partner.

- Obtain HPV vaccine. This vaccine can reduce the risk of developing vulvar cancer and is recommended for girls aged 12-13 years.