Invasive vulval cancer

Abstract 

Vulval cancers account for 3% of gynaecological tumours. They are commonest in the elderly, but are being seen increasingly in young women. Most are squamous carcinomas. Tertiary review of pathology and appropriate staging investigations guide treatment.

Management aims to cure the tumour while minimizing the extent of surgery. Sentinel node biopsy has become accepted for smaller tumours. Adjuvant therapy, if required, is usually radiation ± chemotherapy. Treatment can have a high short- and long-term morbidity; careful counselling and follow-up is essential.

Keywords: vulval cancer, vulval melanoma, vulval reconstruction, vulval sentinel nodes