Vulvar melanoma treatment: what to know

The pathology report describes features such as depth and whether the tumour reaches the edge of the specimen. Examination and scans may be used when the team needs more information about local or distant spread. Treatment decisions also consider the lesion’s position, your general health and the effect of surgery on vulvar function.

For a localised tumour, the central treatment is usually an operation designed to remove it with an appropriate margin. This may involve [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/) or [Skin Cancer Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-cancer-surgery/).

Ask which specialist will lead the plan and whether a multidisciplinary team will review your case. Discuss the proposed incision, wound care, pain relief, mobility, urination and sexual wellbeing before the operation. A sentinel lymph node biopsy may be offered for selected tumours; it checks the first lymph node or nodes draining the area.

If melanoma has features that raise concern for spread or recurrence, medicines such as immunotherapy may be considered. You can read about [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/), but your own pathology and stage determine whether it fits.

Contact the treatment team promptly for increasing wound redness, discharge, fever, bleeding, worsening pain or trouble passing urine. Seek emergency care for uncontrolled bleeding, fainting, severe allergic symptoms or sudden neurological changes. After treatment, report a new vulvar mark, groin swelling, persistent pain or unexplained weight change rather than waiting for the next appointment.

Ask: What is my stage and what does the pathology show? What margin is planned? Do I need lymph-node assessment? What side effects could treatment cause? When will the results guide the next decision, and how will follow-up be organised?