When is radiotherapy recommended for vulvar cancer?

Vulvar cancer can involve nearby skin, tissues or groin lymph nodes. Examination, imaging and the pathology report help show how far it has extended. Radiation may be aimed at the vulva, groin nodes, pelvis, or a defined area where disease has returned. It can be given after surgery, before surgery in selected situations, or with medicines.

The team weighs the expected benefit against effects on skin, pain, urination, bowel function, sexual wellbeing and healing. Previous treatment and other health conditions also affect the recommendation.

Ask what area will be treated and whether radiation is intended to shrink the tumour, treat remaining cells, or control a recurrence. Tell the team about skin conditions, urinary or bowel symptoms, medicines, prior pelvic radiation, and concerns about intimacy. Support may include wound care, pain relief, nutrition and emotional counselling.

During treatment, report increasing soreness, skin breakdown, pain when passing urine, diarrhoea, constipation, discharge, or reduced fluid intake. Gentle care of the treated skin should follow the instructions given by the radiation team.

Contact your cancer team promptly for rapidly worsening pain, fever, spreading skin damage, difficulty passing urine, heavy bleeding, or inability to drink. Seek emergency help for severe bleeding, fainting, confusion, or sudden breathing difficulty.

Why is radiotherapy recommended for my vulvar cancer, and what result is expected? Will the vulva, groin nodes, pelvis, or more than one area be treated? Could surgery or medicines be combined with it? How will pain, skin care, urination, bowel changes and sexual wellbeing be supported? Which symptoms need same-day advice?