How effective is tumour removal surgery for vulvar cancer?

The surgeon aims to remove the cancer with a border of healthy-looking tissue around it. The laboratory examines the removed tissue to check the tumour type, depth and whether cancer cells reach the edge. A clear edge can reduce the chance that cancer remains at the operation site, although follow-up is still needed.

The operation may be local excision for a smaller area or a wider procedure when the tumour is larger or deeper. Nearby lymph nodes may also need assessment because vulvar cancer can spread there. Surgery may be the main treatment or one part of a wider plan that includes radiation or other care.

Ask the gynaecological oncology team how the planned operation relates to the tumour’s location, depth and scans. Discuss whether lymph-node assessment is needed, how much tissue may be removed, and how healing could affect sitting, walking, urination or sexual wellbeing.

Before surgery, share your medicines, allergies, smoking status and any concerns about wound care or recovery. Arrange practical help for the early recovery period and attend the pathology review, because the results may guide further treatment.

Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing wound redness, opening, swelling, discharge, fever, uncontrolled pain, difficulty passing urine or bleeding that does not settle. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe breathlessness or sudden chest pain.

What is the goal of my operation, and how will you judge whether the tumour was fully removed? Will lymph nodes be assessed? What changes should I expect during healing, and when will pathology results alter the next step?