What to expect from tumour removal surgery for vulvar cancer

The operation may remove a small area or a larger part of the vulva, depending on the tumour's position and extent. Nearby groin lymph nodes may be assessed or removed. The surgeon may close the wound directly or use reconstruction to support healing. A laboratory examines the tissue and margins, and the result helps determine whether more treatment is needed.

The area can feel sore, swollen, numb, or tight. Sitting, walking, urinating, and bowel movements may be uncomfortable at first. These effects usually need a personalised plan for hygiene, pain relief, and activity.

Tell your team about medicines, allergies, skin conditions, urinary symptoms, and previous operations. Ask about washing, dressings, underwear, and transport home. After surgery, rinse or clean the area exactly as advised, pat it dry, take prescribed medicines, and use the recommended position for rest. Avoid friction, soaking, and sexual activity until the wound has healed and your clinician agrees.

Keep follow-up visits for wound checks, pathology, and lymph-node results. Gentle movement can support recovery, but increase activity only as advised.

Contact the team urgently for bleeding that will not stop, wound separation, increasing redness, pus, fever, inability to pass urine, or rapidly worsening pain. Seek emergency help for fainting, severe weakness, or breathing difficulty.

Ask which tissue and lymph nodes may be removed, how the wound will be closed, how to urinate and wash comfortably, what activity limits apply, how numbness may change, and when pathology results will be discussed.