When is tumour removal surgery recommended for vulvar cancer?

The team reviews the biopsy, examination and imaging to understand the tumour's size, position and relationship to nearby structures. A small operation may remove the tumour and a rim of normal-looking tissue. More extensive disease may require wider removal and an assessment or removal of groin lymph nodes. The aim is complete cancer removal while considering healing, comfort, urinary or sexual function and body image. Additional treatment may be discussed if pathology shows higher-risk features.

Ask for a clear explanation of the proposed procedure, wound care and expected recovery. Tell the team about pain, itching, bleeding, discharge, medicines and other conditions. You may benefit from support involving a gynaecologic cancer surgeon, wound-care nurse or counsellor. Do not apply products to the area before examination unless advised, and follow instructions about medicines before an operation.

Get urgent help for severe bleeding, inability to pass urine, sudden swelling, fainting or breathing difficulty. Contact the treating team quickly if a wound becomes increasingly red or painful, opens, drains pus, or is accompanied by fever. New leg swelling after groin-node surgery also needs prompt assessment.

Ask which tissue will be removed, whether groin lymph nodes need assessment, how margins are checked, how urination and sexual function may be affected, and what help is available for wound healing and emotional wellbeing.