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<div class="pre-content"><div><div class="bk_prnt"><p class="small">NCBI Bookshelf. A service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.</p><p>PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute (US); 2002-. </p></div><div class="iconblock clearfix whole_rhythm no_top_margin bk_noprnt"><a class="img_link icnblk_img" title="Table of Contents Page" href="/books/n/pdqcis/"><img class="source-thumb" src="/corehtml/pmc/pmcgifs/bookshelf/thumbs/th-pdqcis-lrg.png" alt="Cover of PDQ Cancer Information Summaries" height="100px" width="80px" /></a><div class="icnblk_cntnt eight_col"><h2>PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet].</h2><a data-jig="ncbitoggler" href="#__NBK65885_dtls__">Show details</a><div style="display:none" class="ui-widget" id="__NBK65885_dtls__"><div>Bethesda (MD): <a href="http://www.cancer.gov/" ref="pagearea=page-banner&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=publisher">National Cancer Institute (US)</a>; 2002-.</div></div><div class="half_rhythm"></div><div class="bk_noprnt"><form method="get" action="/books/n/pdqcis/" id="bk_srch"><div class="bk_search"><label for="bk_term" class="offscreen_noflow">Search term</label><input type="text" title="Search this book" id="bk_term" name="term" value="" data-jig="ncbiclearbutton" /> <input type="submit" class="jig-ncbibutton" value="Search this book" submit="false" style="padding: 0.1em 0.4em;" /></div></form></div></div></div></div></div>
<div class="main-content lit-style" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/CreativeWork"><div class="meta-content fm-sec"><h1 id="_NBK65885_"><span class="title" itemprop="name">Vulvar Cancer Treatment (PDQ&#x000ae;)</span></h1><div class="subtitle whole_rhythm">Patient Version</div><p class="contrib-group"><span itemprop="author">PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board</span>.</p><p class="small">Published online: January 25, 2022.</p><p class="small">Created: <span itemprop="datePublished">September 23, 2005</span>.</p></div><div class="jig-ncbiinpagenav body-content whole_rhythm" data-jigconfig="allHeadingLevels: ['h2'],smoothScroll: false" itemprop="text"><div id="_abs_rndgid_" itemprop="description"><p id="CDR0000419665__198">This PDQ cancer information summary has current information about the treatment of vulvar cancer. It is meant to inform and help patients, families, and caregivers. It does not give formal guidelines or recommendations for making decisions about health care.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__199">Editorial Boards write the PDQ cancer information summaries and keep them up to date. These Boards are made up of experts in cancer treatment and other specialties related to cancer. The summaries are reviewed regularly and changes are made when there is new information. The date on each summary ("Date Last Modified") is the date of the most recent change. The information in this patient summary was taken from the health professional version, which is reviewed regularly and updated as needed, by the PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__1"><h2 id="_CDR0000419665__1_">General Information About Vulvar Cancer</h2><div id="CDR0000419665__1.kp" class="box"><h4><span class="title">Key Points for This Section</span></h4><ul><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__2">Vulvar cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the vulva.</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__118">Having vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia or HPV infection can increase the risk of vulvar cancer.</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__11">Signs of vulvar cancer include bleeding or itching in the vulvar area.</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__16">Tests that examine the vulva are used to diagnose vulvar cancer.</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__20">Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.</a></div></li></ul></div><div id="CDR0000419665__2"><h3>Vulvar cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the vulva.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__6">
<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044776/" class="def">Vulvar cancer</a> forms in a woman's external <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000476624/" class="def">genitalia</a>. The <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044974/" class="def">vulva</a> includes:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__189"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Inner and outer lips of the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046646/" class="def">vagina</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Clitoris (sensitive <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046683/" class="def">tissue</a> between the lips). </div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Opening of the vagina and its <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046386/" class="def">glands</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Mons pubis (the rounded area in front of the pubic bones that becomes covered with hair at <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000440113/" class="def">puberty</a>).</div></li></ul><div id="CDR0000419665__242" class="figure bk_fig"><div class="graphic"><a href="/core/lw/2.0/html/tileshop_pmc/tileshop_pmc_inline.html?title=Anatomy%20of%20the%20vulva&amp;p=BOOKS&amp;id=576991_CDR0000742480.jpg" target="tileshopwindow" class="inline_block pmc_inline_block ts_canvas img_link" title="Click on image to zoom"><div class="ts_bar small" title="Click on image to zoom"></div><img src="/books/NBK65885.10/bin/CDR0000742480.jpg" alt="Anatomy of the vulva; drawing shows the mons pubis, clitoris, urethral opening, inner and outer lips of the vagina, and the vaginal opening. Also shown are the perineum and anus." class="tileshop" title="Click on image to zoom" /></a></div><div class="caption"><p>Anatomy of the vulva. The vulva includes the mons pubis, clitoris, inner and outer lips of the vagina, and the openings of the urethra and vagina.</p></div></div><p id="CDR0000419665__141">Vulvar cancer most often affects the outer <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044308/" class="def">vaginal</a> lips. Less often, cancer affects the inner vaginal lips, clitoris, or vaginal glands. </p><p id="CDR0000419665__142">Vulvar cancer usually forms slowly over many years. <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044636/" class="def">Abnormal</a>
<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046476/" class="def">cells</a> can grow on the surface of the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044974/" class="def">vulvar</a> skin for a long time. This <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000651193/" class="def">condition</a> is called <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000570425/" class="def">vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia</a> (VIN). Because it is possible for VIN to become vulvar cancer, it is important to get treatment.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__118"><h3>Having vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia or HPV infection can increase the risk of vulvar cancer.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__120">Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045873/" class="def">risk factor</a>. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will
get <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045333/" class="def">cancer</a>; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will
not get cancer. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk. Risk factors for vulvar cancer include the following:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__121"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Older age.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Having <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045714/" class="def">human papillomavirus</a> (HPV) <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045364/" class="def">infection</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Having vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN).</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Having a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000642019/" class="def">history</a> of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000476624/" class="def">genital</a>
<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046652/" class="def">warts</a>.</div></li></ul><p id="CDR0000419665__180">Other possible risk factors include the following:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__181"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Having many sexual partners.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Having first sexual intercourse at a young age.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Having a history of abnormal <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045978/" class="def">Pap tests</a> (Pap smears).</div></li></ul></div><div id="CDR0000419665__11"><h3>Signs of vulvar cancer include bleeding or itching in the vulvar area.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__13">Vulvar cancer often does not cause early <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000750109/" class="def">signs</a> or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045022/" class="def">symptoms</a>. Signs and symptoms may be caused by vulvar cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__14"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>A lump or growth on the vulva that looks like a wart or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000390317/" class="def">ulcer</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Itching in the vulvar area that does not go away.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Bleeding not related to <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046297/" class="def">menstruation</a> (periods).</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Pain in the vulvar area.</div></li></ul></div><div id="CDR0000419665__16"><h3>Tests that examine the vulva are used to diagnose vulvar cancer.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__18">The following tests and procedures may be used:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__19"><li class="half_rhythm"><div><b><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000270871/" class="def">Physical exam</a> and <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000798522/" class="def">health history</a></b>: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking the vulva for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient&#x02019;s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken. </div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><b><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000322873/" class="def">Pelvic exam</a></b>: An exam of the vagina, <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046133/" class="def">cervix</a>, <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046645/" class="def">uterus</a>, <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045687/" class="def">fallopian tubes</a>, <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046687/" class="def">ovaries</a>, and <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046555/" class="def">rectum</a>. A <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046588/" class="def">speculum</a> is inserted into the vagina and the doctor or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000269445/" class="def">nurse</a> looks at the vagina and cervix for signs of disease. A Pap test of the cervix is usually done. The doctor or nurse also inserts one or two <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046302/" class="def">lubricated</a>, gloved fingers of one hand into the vagina and places the other hand over the lower <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045070/" class="def">abdomen</a> to feel the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries. The doctor or nurse also inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or abnormal areas.<div id="CDR0000419665__207" class="figure bk_fig"><div class="graphic"><a href="/core/lw/2.0/html/tileshop_pmc/tileshop_pmc_inline.html?title=Pelvic%20exam&amp;p=BOOKS&amp;id=576991_CDR0000609924.jpg" target="tileshopwindow" class="inline_block pmc_inline_block ts_canvas img_link" title="Click on image to zoom"><div class="ts_bar small" title="Click on image to zoom"></div><img src="/books/NBK65885.10/bin/CDR0000609924.jpg" alt="Pelvic exam; drawing shows a side view of the female reproductive anatomy during a pelvic exam. The uterus, left fallopian tube, left ovary, cervix, vagina, bladder, and rectum are shown. Two gloved fingers of one hand of the doctor or nurse are shown inserted into the vagina, while the other hand is shown pressing on the lower abdomen. The inset shows a woman covered by a drape on an exam table with her legs apart and her feet in stirrups." class="tileshop" title="Click on image to zoom" /></a></div><div class="caption"><p>Pelvic exam. A doctor or nurse inserts one or two lubricated, gloved fingers of one hand into the vagina and presses on the lower abdomen with the other hand. This is done to feel the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries. The vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, and rectum are also checked.</p></div></div></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><b>Pap test</b>: A procedure to collect cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina. A piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick is used to gently scrape cells from the cervix and vagina. The cells are viewed under a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000638184/" class="def">microscope</a> to find out if they are abnormal.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><b><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000752847/" class="def">Human papillomavirus (HPV) test</a></b>: A <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046590/" class="def">laboratory test</a> used to check <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045671/" class="def">DNA</a> or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046568/" class="def">RNA</a> for certain types of HPV infection. Cells are collected from the vulva and DNA or RNA from the cells is checked to find out if an infection is caused by a type of human papillomavirus that is linked to vulvar cancer. This test may be done using the sample of cells removed during a Pap test. This test may also be done if the results of a Pap test show certain abnormal vulvar cells.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><b><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045164/" class="def">Biopsy</a></b>: The removal of cells or tissues from the vulva so they can be viewed under a microscope by a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046244/" class="def">pathologist</a> to check for signs of cancer.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><b><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045989/" class="def">Colposcopy</a></b>: A procedure in which a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046465/" class="def">colposcope</a> (a lighted, magnifying instrument) is used to check the vagina and cervix for abnormal areas. Tissue samples may be taken using a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046460/" class="def">curette</a> (spoon-shaped instrument) or a brush and checked under a microscope for signs of disease.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><b><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045788/" class="def">MRI</a> (magnetic resonance imaging)</b>: A procedure that uses a magnet, <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000651209/" class="def">radio waves</a>, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><b><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046033/" class="def">CT scan</a> (CAT scan)</b>: A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045944/" class="def">x-ray</a> machine. A <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000409764/" class="def">dye</a> may be <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044678/" class="def">injected</a> into a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000476471/" class="def">vein</a> or swallowed to help the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000257523/" class="def">organs</a> or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><b><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046140/" class="def">PET scan</a> (positron emission tomography scan)</b>: A procedure to find <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045772/" class="def">malignant</a>
<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046634/" class="def">tumor</a> cells in the body. A small amount of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046550/" class="def">radioactive</a>
<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044033/" class="def">glucose</a> (sugar) is injected into a vein. The PET <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000386220/" class="def">scanner</a> rotates around the body and makes a picture of where glucose is being used in the body. Malignant tumor cells show up brighter in the picture because they are more active and take up more glucose than normal cells do.</div></li></ul></div><div id="CDR0000419665__20"><h3>Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__22">The <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045849/" class="def">prognosis</a> and treatment options depend on the following:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__23"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Whether the cancer has spread to nearby areas or other parts of the body.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Whether the cancer has spread to the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045762/" class="def">lymph nodes</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Whether the cancer has just been <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046450/" class="def">diagnosed</a> or has <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046556/" class="def">recurred</a> (come back).</div></li></ul></div></div><div id="CDR0000419665__24"><h2 id="_CDR0000419665__24_">Stages of Vulvar Cancer</h2><div id="CDR0000419665__24.kp" class="box"><h4><span class="title">Key Points for This Section</span></h4><ul><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__25">After vulvar cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread within the vulva or to other parts of the body.</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__151">There are three ways that cancer spreads in the body.</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__194">Cancer may spread from where it began to other parts of the body.</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__190">In vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), abnormal cells are found on the surface of the vulvar skin.</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__30">The following stages are used for vulvar cancer:</a></div><ul><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__175">Stage I</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__38">Stage II</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__41">Stage III</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__44">Stage IV</a></div></li></ul></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__235">Vulvar cancer can recur (come back) after it has been treated.</a></div></li></ul></div><div id="CDR0000419665__25"><h3>After vulvar cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread within the vulva or to other parts of the body.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__27">The process used to find out if <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045333/" class="def">cancer</a> has spread within the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044974/" class="def">vulva</a> or to other parts of the body is called <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046597/" class="def">staging</a>. The information gathered from the staging process determines the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045885/" class="def">stage</a> of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment. The following tests and procedures may be used in the staging process:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__28"><li class="half_rhythm"><div><b><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045988/" class="def">Cystoscopy</a></b>: A procedure to look inside the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046501/" class="def">bladder</a> and <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046640/" class="def">urethra</a> to check for <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044636/" class="def">abnormal</a> areas. A <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046455/" class="def">cystoscope</a> is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. A cystoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000572035/" class="def">lens</a> for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046683/" class="def">tissue</a> samples, which are checked under a for <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000750109/" class="def">signs</a> of cancer.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><b><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046535/" class="def">Proctoscopy</a></b>: A procedure to look inside the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046555/" class="def">rectum</a> and <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046523/" class="def">anus</a> to check for abnormal areas, using a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000742474/" class="def">proctoscope</a>. A proctoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing the inside of the rectum and anus. It may also have a tool to remove tissue samples, which are checked under a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000638184/" class="def">microscope</a> for signs of cancer.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><b><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000304687/" class="def">Chest x-ray</a></b>: An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body. To stage <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044776/" class="def">vulvar cancer</a>, x-rays may be taken of the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000257523/" class="def">organs</a> and bones inside the chest.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>
<b><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046333/" class="def">Intravenous pyelogram</a> (IVP)</b>: A series of x-rays of the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046325/" class="def">kidneys</a>, <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046638/" class="def">ureters</a>, and bladder to find out if cancer has spread to these organs. A <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000409764/" class="def">contrast dye</a> is <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044678/" class="def">injected</a> into a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000476471/" class="def">vein</a>. As the contrast dye moves through the kidneys, ureters and bladder, x-rays are taken to see if there are any blockages. This procedure is also called intravenous urography.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><b><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045164/" class="def">Biopsy</a></b>: The removal of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046476/" class="def">cells</a> or tissues from the bladder or rectum so they can be viewed under a microscope by a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046244/" class="def">pathologist</a> to check for signs of cancer, if it is suspected that cancer has spread there.</div></li></ul></div><div id="CDR0000419665__151"><h3>There are three ways that cancer spreads in the body.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__151_69">Cancer can spread through <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046683/" class="def">tissue</a>, the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045764/" class="def">lymph system</a>, and the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000270735/" class="def">blood</a>:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__151_70"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Tissue. The cancer spreads from where it began by growing into nearby areas.
</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Lymph system. The cancer spreads from where it began by getting into the lymph system. The cancer travels through the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000269462/" class="def">lymph vessels</a> to other parts of the body.
</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Blood. The cancer spreads from where it began by getting into the blood. The cancer travels through the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045020/" class="def">blood vessels</a> to other parts of the body.
</div></li></ul></div><div id="CDR0000419665__194"><h3>Cancer may spread from where it began to other parts of the body.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__194_66">When cancer spreads to another part of the body, it is called <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046710/" class="def">metastasis</a>. Cancer <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046476/" class="def">cells</a> break away from where they began (the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045847/" class="def">primary tumor</a>) and travel through the lymph system or blood.</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__194_67"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Lymph system. The cancer gets into the lymph system, travels through the lymph vessels, and forms a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046634/" class="def">tumor</a> (<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044058/" class="def">metastatic</a> tumor) in another part of the body.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Blood. The cancer gets into the blood, travels through the blood vessels, and forms a tumor (metastatic tumor) in another part of the body.</div></li></ul><p id="CDR0000419665__196">The metastatic tumor is the same type of cancer as the primary tumor. For example, if vulvar cancer spreads to the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000270740/" class="def">lung</a>, the cancer cells in the lung are actually vulvar cancer cells. The disease is metastatic vulvar cancer, not lung cancer.</p><div id="CDR0000419665__202" class="box"><h3><span class="title">metastasis: how cancer spreads</span></h3><div class="caption"><p>Many cancer deaths are caused when cancer moves from the original tumor and spreads to other tissues and organs. This is called metastatic cancer. This animation shows how cancer cells travel from the place in the body where they first formed to other parts of the body.</p></div><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQwar_-QdiQ" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">YouTube</a></p></div></div><div id="CDR0000419665__190"><h3>In vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), abnormal cells are found on the surface of the vulvar skin.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__192">These <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044636/" class="def">abnormal</a>
<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046476/" class="def">cells</a> are not <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045333/" class="def">cancer</a>. <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000570425/" class="def">Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia</a> (VIN) may become cancer and spread into nearby <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046683/" class="def">tissue</a>. VIN is sometimes called stage 0 or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046488/" class="def">carcinoma in situ</a>.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__30"><h3>The following stages are used for vulvar cancer:</h3><div id="CDR0000419665__175"><h4>Stage I</h4><p id="CDR0000419665__177">In <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046120/" class="def">stage I</a>, <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045333/" class="def">cancer</a> has formed. The <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046634/" class="def">tumor</a> is found only in the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044974/" class="def">vulva</a>. Stage I is divided into stages IA and IB.<div id="CDR0000419665__193" class="figure bk_fig"><div class="graphic"><a href="/core/lw/2.0/html/tileshop_pmc/tileshop_pmc_inline.html?title=Tumor%20sizes%20are%20often%20measured%20in%20centimeters%20(cm)%20or%20inches&amp;p=BOOKS&amp;id=576991_CDR0000415526.jpg" target="tileshopwindow" class="inline_block pmc_inline_block ts_canvas img_link" title="Click on image to zoom"><div class="ts_bar small" title="Click on image to zoom"></div><img src="/books/NBK65885.10/bin/CDR0000415526.jpg" alt="Drawing shows different sizes of a tumor in centimeters (cm) compared to the size of a pea (1 cm), a peanut (2 cm), a grape (3 cm), a walnut (4 cm), a lime (5 cm), an egg (6 cm), a peach (7 cm), and a grapefruit (10 cm). Also shown is a 10-cm ruler and a 4-inch ruler." class="tileshop" title="Click on image to zoom" /></a></div><div class="caption"><p>Tumor sizes are often measured in centimeters (cm) or inches. Common food items that can be used to show tumor size in cm include: a pea (1 cm), a peanut (2 cm), a grape (3 cm), a walnut (4 cm), a lime (5 cm or 2 inches), an egg (6 cm), a peach (7 cm), and a grapefruit (10 cm or 4 inches).</p></div></div></p><ul id="CDR0000419665__178"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>In <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046120/" class="def">stage IA</a>, the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046634/" class="def">tumor</a> is 2 <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000354457/" class="def">centimeters</a> or smaller and has spread 1 <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044215/" class="def">millimeter</a> or less into the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046683/" class="def">tissue</a> of the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044974/" class="def">vulva</a>. Cancer has not spread to the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045762/" class="def">lymph nodes</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>In <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046120/" class="def">stage IB</a>, the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046634/" class="def">tumor</a> is larger than 2 <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000354457/" class="def">centimeters</a> or has spread more than 1 <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044215/" class="def">millimeter</a> into the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046683/" class="def">tissue</a> of the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044974/" class="def">vulva</a>. Cancer has not spread to the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045762/" class="def">lymph nodes</a>.<div id="CDR0000419665__186" class="figure bk_fig"><div class="graphic"><a href="/core/lw/2.0/html/tileshop_pmc/tileshop_pmc_inline.html?title=Millimeters%20(mm)&amp;p=BOOKS&amp;id=576991_CDR0000578121.jpg" target="tileshopwindow" class="inline_block pmc_inline_block ts_canvas img_link" title="Click on image to zoom"><div class="ts_bar small" title="Click on image to zoom"></div><img src="/books/NBK65885.10/bin/CDR0000578121.jpg" alt="Millimeters; drawing shows millimeters (mm) using everyday objects. A sharp pencil point shows 1 mm, a new crayon point shows 2 mm, and a new pencil-top eraser shows 5 mm." class="tileshop" title="Click on image to zoom" /></a></div><div class="caption"><p>Millimeters (mm). A sharp pencil point is about 1 mm, a new crayon point is about 2 mm, and a new pencil eraser is about 5 mm.</p></div></div></div></li></ul></div><div id="CDR0000419665__38"><h4>Stage II</h4><p id="CDR0000419665__170">In stage II, the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046634/" class="def">tumor</a> is any size and has spread to the lower one-third of the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046640/" class="def">urethra</a>, the lower one-third of the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046646/" class="def">vagina</a>, or the lower one-third of the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046523/" class="def">anus</a>. <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045333/" class="def">Cancer</a> has not spread to the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045762/" class="def">lymph nodes</a>.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__41"><h4>Stage III</h4><p id="CDR0000419665__239">In stage III, the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046634/" class="def">tumor</a> is any size and has spread to the upper two-thirds of the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046640/" class="def">urethra</a>, the upper two-thirds of the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046646/" class="def">vagina</a>, the inner lining of the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046501/" class="def">bladder</a> or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046555/" class="def">rectum</a>, or to any number of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045762/" class="def">lymph nodes</a>. Stage III is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. </p><ul id="CDR0000419665__238"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>In stage IIIA, <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045333/" class="def">cancer</a> is found in lymph nodes in the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046375/" class="def">groin</a> that are not larger than 5 <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044215/" class="def">millimeters</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>In stage IIIB, cancer is found in lymph nodes in the groin that are larger than 5 millimeters.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>In stage IIIC, cancer is found in lymph nodes in the groin and has extended through the outer covering of the lymph nodes.</div></li></ul></div><div id="CDR0000419665__44"><h4>Stage IV</h4><p id="CDR0000419665__240">In stage IV, the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046634/" class="def">tumor</a> is any size and has become attached to the bone, or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045333/" class="def">cancer</a> has spread to <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045762/" class="def">lymph nodes</a> that are not movable or have become <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000269469/" class="def">ulcerated</a>, or there is distant spread. Stage IV is divided into stages IVA and IVB.</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__241"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>In stage IVA, the cancer is attached to the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045087/" class="def">pelvic</a> bone or has spread to lymph nodes in the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046375/" class="def">groin</a> that are not movable or have become ulcerated. </div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>In stage IVB, the cancer has spread beyond the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046246/" class="def">pelvis</a> to distant parts of the body.</div></li></ul></div></div><div id="CDR0000419665__235"><h3>Vulvar cancer can recur (come back) after it has been treated.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__237">The cancer may come back in the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044974/" class="def">vulva</a> or in other parts of the body.</p></div></div><div id="CDR0000419665__49"><h2 id="_CDR0000419665__49_">Treatment Option Overview</h2><div id="CDR0000419665__49.kp" class="box"><h4><span class="title">Key Points for This Section</span></h4><ul><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__50">There are different types of treatment for patients with vulvar cancer.</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__54">Four types of standard treatment are used:</a></div><ul><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__56">Surgery</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__62">Radiation therapy</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__65">Chemotherapy</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__182">Immunotherapy</a></div></li></ul></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__80">New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials. </a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__203">Treatment for vulvar cancer may cause side effects.</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__153">Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial.</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__155">Patients can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their cancer treatment.</a></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="#CDR0000419665__157">Follow-up tests may be needed.</a></div></li></ul></div><div id="CDR0000419665__50"><h3>There are different types of treatment for patients with vulvar cancer.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__52">Different types of treatments are available for patients with <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044776/" class="def">vulvar cancer</a>. Some treatments are <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044930/" class="def">standard</a> (the currently used treatment), and some are being tested in <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045961/" class="def">clinical trials</a>. A treatment clinical trial is a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000651211/" class="def">research study</a> meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for patients with <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045333/" class="def">cancer</a>. When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment. Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. Some clinical trials are open only to patients who have not started treatment.
</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__54"><h3>Four types of standard treatment are used:</h3><div id="CDR0000419665__56"><h4>Surgery</h4><p id="CDR0000419665__58"><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045570/" class="def">Surgery</a> is the most common treatment for <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000570425/" class="def">vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia</a> (VIN) and vulvar cancer. </p><p id="CDR0000419665__230">One of the following types of surgery may be done to treat VIN:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__59"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Separate <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000269459/" class="def">excision</a> of a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046324/" class="def">lesion</a>: A surgical procedure to remove a lesion of concern.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000446983/" class="def">Wide local excision</a>: A surgical procedure to remove the area of skin affected by VIN and some of the normal <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046683/" class="def">tissue</a> around it.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000322858/" class="def">Laser surgery</a>: A <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045570/" class="def">surgical</a> procedure that uses a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045748/" class="def">laser beam</a> (a narrow beam of intense light) as a knife to make bloodless cuts in <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046683/" class="def">tissue</a> or to remove a surface <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046324/" class="def">lesion</a> such as a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046634/" class="def">tumor</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Ultrasound surgical aspiration: A surgical procedure to break the tumor up into small pieces using very fine vibrations. The small pieces of tumor are washed away and removed by suction. This procedure causes less damage to nearby tissue.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000443586/" class="def">Skinning vulvectomy</a>: The top layer of vulvar skin where the VIN is found is removed. <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046581/" class="def">Skin grafts</a> from other parts of the body may be needed to cover the area where the skin was removed.</div></li></ul><p id="CDR0000419665__231">The goal of surgery for vulvar cancer is to remove all the cancer without any loss of the woman's sexual function. One of the following types of surgery may be done to treat vulvar cancer:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__232"><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000446983/" class="def">Wide local excision</a>: A surgical procedure to remove the cancer and some of the normal tissue around the cancer.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000443585/" class="def">Radical local excision</a>: A surgical procedure to remove the cancer and a large amount of normal tissue around it. Nearby <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045762/" class="def">lymph nodes</a> in the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046375/" class="def">groin</a> may also be removed. </div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Vulvectomy: A surgical procedure to remove part or all of the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044974/" class="def">vulva</a>:<ul id="CDR0000419665__233"><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000639914/" class="def">Modified radical vulvectomy</a>: Surgery to remove most of the vulva. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000443589/" class="def">Radical vulvectomy</a>: Surgery to remove the entire vulva. Nearby lymph nodes are also removed.</div></li></ul></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000322874/" class="def">Pelvic exenteration</a>: A surgical procedure to remove the lower <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046462/" class="def">colon</a>, <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046555/" class="def">rectum</a>, and <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046501/" class="def">bladder</a>. The <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046133/" class="def">cervix</a>, <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046646/" class="def">vagina</a>, <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046687/" class="def">ovaries</a>, and nearby lymph nodes are also removed. Artificial openings (<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045104/" class="def">stoma</a>) are made for <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046642/" class="def">urine</a> and <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046605/" class="def">stool</a> to flow from the body into a collection bag.</div></li></ul><p id="CDR0000419665__60">After the doctor removes all the cancer that can be seen at the time of the surgery, some patients may be given <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045214/" class="def">chemotherapy</a> and/or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044971/" class="def">radiation therapy</a> after surgery to kill any cancer <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046476/" class="def">cells</a> that are left. Treatment given after the surgery, to lower the risk that the cancer will come back, is called <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045587/" class="def">adjuvant therapy</a>.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__62"><h4>Radiation therapy</h4><p id="CDR0000419665__64"><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044971/" class="def">Radiation therapy</a> is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045944/" class="def">x-rays</a> or other types of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045072/" class="def">radiation</a> to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046686/" class="def">External radiation therapy</a> uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward area of the body with cancer.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__201">External radiation therapy may also be used as
<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045815/" class="def">palliative therapy</a> to relieve
<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045022/" class="def">symptoms</a> and improve <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045417/" class="def">quality of life</a>.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__65"><h4>Chemotherapy</h4><p id="CDR0000419665__67">Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000348921/" class="def">drugs</a> to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044678/" class="def">injected</a> into a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000476471/" class="def">vein</a> or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body (<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000301626/" class="def">systemic chemotherapy</a>). <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046619/" class="def">Topical chemotherapy</a> for vulvar cancer may be applied to the skin in a cream or lotion. The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__162">See <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/vulvar" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Drugs Approved to Treat Vulvar Cancer</a> for more information.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__182"><h4>Immunotherapy</h4><p id="CDR0000419665__184">Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the patient&#x02019;s <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046356/" class="def">immune system</a> to fight cancer. Substances made by the body or made in a laboratory are used to boost, direct, or restore the body&#x02019;s natural defenses against cancer. This cancer treatment is a type of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045617/" class="def">biologic therapy</a>.
</p><p id="CDR0000419665__187"><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045080/" class="def">Imiquimod</a> is an <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045722/" class="def">immune response</a> modifier used to treat vulvar <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046324/" class="def">lesions</a> and is applied to the skin in a cream.</p></div></div><div id="CDR0000419665__80"><h3>New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials. </h3><p id="CDR0000419665__89"> Information about clinical trials is available from the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">NCI website</a>.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__203"><h3>Treatment for vulvar cancer may cause side effects.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__203_73">For information about <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046580/" class="def">side effects</a> caused by treatment for cancer, see our <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Side Effects</a> page.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__153"><h3>Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__153_23">For some patients, taking part in a <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045961/" class="def">clinical trial</a> may be the best treatment choice. Clinical trials are part of the cancer research process. Clinical trials are done to find out if new cancer treatments are safe and effective or better than the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044930/" class="def">standard treatment</a>.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__153_24">Many of today's standard treatments for cancer are based on earlier clinical trials. Patients who take part in a clinical trial may receive the standard treatment or be among the first to receive a new treatment.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__153_25">Patients who take part in clinical trials also help improve the way cancer will be treated in the future. Even when clinical trials do not lead to effective new treatments, they often answer important questions and help move research forward.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__155"><h3>Patients can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their cancer treatment.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__155_29">Some clinical trials only include patients who have not yet received treatment. Other trials test treatments for patients whose cancer has not gotten better. There are also clinical trials that test new ways to stop cancer from <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046556/" class="def">recurring</a> (coming back) or reduce the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046580/" class="def">side effects</a> of cancer treatment.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__155_30">Clinical trials are taking place in many parts of the country. Information about clinical trials supported by NCI can be found on NCI&#x02019;s <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/search" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">clinical trials search</a> webpage. Clinical trials supported by other organizations can be found on the <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">ClinicalTrials.gov</a> website.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__157"><h3>Follow-up tests may be needed.</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__157_33">Some of the tests that were done to <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046450/" class="def">diagnose</a> the cancer or to find out the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045885/" class="def">stage</a> of the cancer may be repeated. Some tests will be repeated in order to see how well the treatment is working. Decisions about whether to continue, change, or stop treatment may be based on the results of these tests.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__157_34">Some of the tests will continue to be done from time to time after treatment has ended. The results of these tests can show if your <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000651193/" class="def">condition</a> has changed or if the cancer has <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046556/" class="def">recurred</a> (come back). These tests are sometimes called <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044671/" class="def">follow-up</a> tests or check-ups.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__188">It is important to have regular <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044671/" class="def">follow-up</a> exams to check for <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045862/" class="def">recurrent</a>
<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044776/" class="def">vulvar cancer</a>. </p></div></div><div id="CDR0000419665__208"><h2 id="_CDR0000419665__208_">Treatment of Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN)</h2><p id="CDR0000419665__209">For information about the treatments listed below, see the <a href="#CDR0000419665__54">Treatment Option Overview</a> section.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__210">Treatment of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000570425/" class="def">vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia</a> (VIN) may include the following:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__211"><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045570/" class="def">Surgery</a> may be one of the following:<ul id="CDR0000419665__234"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Separate <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000269459/" class="def">excision</a> of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046324/" class="def">lesions</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000446983/" class="def">Wide local excision</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000322858/" class="def">Laser surgery</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Ultrasound surgical aspiration.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000443586/" class="def">Skinning vulvectomy</a>.</div></li></ul></div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045729/" class="def">Immunotherapy</a> with <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045927/" class="def">topical</a>
<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045080/" class="def">imiquimod</a>.</div></li></ul></div><div id="CDR0000419665__212"><h2 id="_CDR0000419665__212_">Treatment of Stages I and II Vulvar Cancer</h2><p id="CDR0000419665__213">For information about the treatments listed below, see the <a href="#CDR0000419665__54">Treatment Option Overview</a> section.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__214">Treatment of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046120/" class="def">stage I vulvar cancer</a> and <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046121/" class="def">stage II vulvar cancer</a> may include the following:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__215"><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045570/" class="def">Surgery</a> (<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000446983/" class="def">wide local excision</a>).</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Surgery (<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000443585/" class="def">radical local excision</a> with removal of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045762/" class="def">lymph nodes</a> in the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046375/" class="def">groin</a> and upper thigh).</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Surgery (<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000639914/" class="def">modified radical vulvectomy</a> or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000443589/" class="def">radical vulvectomy</a> with removal of lymph nodes in the groin and upper thigh). <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044971/" class="def">Radiation therapy</a> may be given.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Surgery (radical local excision and removal of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045876/" class="def">sentinel lymph node</a>) followed by <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044971/" class="def">radiation therapy</a> in some cases. </div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Radiation therapy alone.</div></li></ul><p id="CDR0000419665__TrialSearch_212_19">Use our <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/search" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">clinical trial search</a> to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">General information</a> about clinical trials is also available.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__216"><h2 id="_CDR0000419665__216_">Treatment of Stage III Vulvar Cancer</h2><p id="CDR0000419665__217">For information about the treatments listed below, see the <a href="#CDR0000419665__54">Treatment Option Overview</a> section.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__218">Treatment of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046122/" class="def">stage III vulvar cancer</a> may include the following:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__219"><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045570/" class="def">Surgery</a> (<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000639914/" class="def">modified radical vulvectomy</a> or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000443589/" class="def">radical vulvectomy</a> with removal of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045762/" class="def">lymph nodes</a> in the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046375/" class="def">groin</a> and upper thigh) with or without <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044971/" class="def">radiation therapy</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Radiation therapy or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045214/" class="def">chemotherapy</a> and radiation therapy followed by surgery.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy.</div></li></ul><p id="CDR0000419665__TrialSearch_216_19">Use our <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/search" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">clinical trial search</a> to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">General information</a> about clinical trials is also available.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__220"><h2 id="_CDR0000419665__220_">Treatment of Stage IVA Vulvar Cancer</h2><p id="CDR0000419665__221">For information about the treatments listed below, see the <a href="#CDR0000419665__54">Treatment Option Overview</a> section.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__222">Treatment of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046123/" class="def">stage IVA vulvar cancer</a> may include the following:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__223"><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045570/" class="def">Surgery</a> (<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000443589/" class="def">radical vulvectomy</a> or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000322874/" class="def">pelvic exenteration</a>).</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Surgery and <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044971/" class="def">radiation therapy</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Radiation therapy or <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045214/" class="def">chemotherapy</a> and radiation therapy followed by surgery.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy.</div></li></ul><p id="CDR0000419665__TrialSearch_220_19">Use our <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/search" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">clinical trial search</a> to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">General information</a> about clinical trials is also available.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__224"><h2 id="_CDR0000419665__224_">Treatment of Stage IVB Vulvar Cancer</h2><p id="CDR0000419665__226">There is no <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044930/" class="def">standard treatment</a> for <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000046123/" class="def">stage IVB vulvar cancer</a>. <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045214/" class="def">Chemotherapy</a> has been studied and may be used if the patient can tolerate it.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__TrialSearch_224_19">Use our <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/search" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">clinical trial search</a> to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">General information</a> about clinical trials is also available.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__111"><h2 id="_CDR0000419665__111_">Treatment of Recurrent Vulvar Cancer</h2><p id="CDR0000419665__206">For information about the treatments listed below, see the <a href="#CDR0000419665__54">Treatment Option Overview</a> section.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__112">Treatment of <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000559442/" class="def">locally recurrent</a>
<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044776/" class="def">vulvar cancer</a> may include the following:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__113"><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045570/" class="def">Surgery</a> (<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000446983/" class="def">wide local excision</a>) with or without <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044971/" class="def">radiation therapy</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Surgery (<a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000443589/" class="def">radical vulvectomy</a> and <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000322874/" class="def">pelvic exenteration</a>).</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045214/" class="def">Chemotherapy</a> and radiation therapy with or without <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045570/" class="def">surgery</a>.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Radiation therapy and surgery.</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>Radiation therapy as <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045815/" class="def">palliative treatment</a> to relieve <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045022/" class="def">symptoms</a> and improve <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045417/" class="def">quality of life</a>.</div></li></ul><p id="CDR0000419665__TrialSearch_111_19">Use our <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/search" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">clinical trial search</a> to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">General information</a> about clinical trials is also available.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__145"><h2 id="_CDR0000419665__145_">To Learn More About Vulvar Cancer</h2><p id="CDR0000419665__147">For more information from the <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000044266/" class="def">National Cancer Institute</a> about vulvar cancer, see the following:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__163"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>
<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/types/vulvar" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Vulvar Cancer Home Page</a>
</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>
<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/surgery/lasers" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Lasers to Treat Cancer</a>
</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>
<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/vulvar" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Drugs Approved to Treat Vulvar Cancer</a>
</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>
<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-fact-sheet" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">HPV and Cancer</a>
</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>
<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/ct-scans-fact-sheet" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Computed Tomography (CT) Scans and Cancer</a>
</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>
<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer</a>
</div></li></ul><p id="CDR0000419665__145_40">For general <a href="/books/n/pdqcis/glossary/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045333/" class="def">cancer</a> information and other resources from the National Cancer Institute, see the following:</p><ul id="CDR0000419665__145_41"><li class="half_rhythm"><div>
<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">About Cancer</a>
</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>
<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/staging" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Staging</a>
</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>
<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/chemo-and-you" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Chemotherapy and You: Support for People With Cancer</a>
</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>
<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/radiation-therapy-and-you" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Radiation Therapy and You: Support for People With Cancer</a>
</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>
<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Coping with Cancer</a>
</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div>
<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/questions" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Cancer</a>
</div></li><li class="half_rhythm"><div><a href="https://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/ocs/resources/survivors.html" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">For Survivors and Caregivers</a>
</div></li></ul></div><div id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_1"><h2 id="_CDR0000419665__AboutThis_1_">About This PDQ Summary</h2><div id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_2"><h3>About PDQ</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_3">Physician Data Query (PDQ) is the National Cancer Institute's (NCI's) comprehensive cancer information database. The PDQ database contains summaries of the latest published information on cancer prevention, detection, genetics, treatment, supportive care, and complementary and alternative medicine. Most summaries come in two versions. The health professional versions have detailed information written in technical language. The patient versions are written in easy-to-understand, nontechnical language. Both versions have cancer information that is accurate and up to date and most versions are also available in <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/publicaciones/pdq" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Spanish</a>.</p><p id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_4">PDQ is a service of the NCI. The NCI is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH is the federal government&#x02019;s center of biomedical research. The PDQ summaries are based on an independent review of the medical literature. They are not policy statements of the NCI or the NIH.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_5"><h3>Purpose of This Summary</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_6">This PDQ cancer information summary has current information about the treatment of vulvar cancer. It is meant to inform and help patients, families, and caregivers. It does not give formal guidelines or recommendations for making decisions about health care.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_7"><h3>Reviewers and Updates</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_8">Editorial Boards write the PDQ cancer information summaries and keep them up to date. These Boards are made up of experts in cancer treatment and other specialties related to cancer. The summaries are reviewed regularly and changes are made when there is new information. The date on each summary ("Updated") is the date of the most recent change.
</p><p id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_9">The information in this patient summary was taken from the health professional version, which is reviewed regularly and updated as needed, by the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/pdq/editorial-boards/adult-treatment" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board</a>.
</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_10"><h3>Clinical Trial Information</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_11">A clinical trial is a study to answer a scientific question, such as whether one treatment is better than another. Trials are based on past studies and what has been learned in the laboratory. Each trial answers certain scientific questions in order to find new and better ways to help cancer patients. During treatment clinical trials, information is collected about the effects of a new treatment and how well it works. If a clinical trial shows that a new treatment is better than one currently being used, the new treatment may become "standard." Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. Some clinical trials are open only to patients who have not started treatment.
</p><p id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_12">Clinical trials can be found online at <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">NCI's website</a>. For more information, call the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/contact/contact-center" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Cancer Information Service</a> (CIS), NCI's contact center, at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_13"><h3>Permission to Use This Summary</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_14">PDQ is a registered trademark. The content of PDQ documents can be used freely as text. It cannot be identified as an NCI PDQ cancer information summary unless the whole summary is shown and it is updated regularly. However, a user would be allowed to write a sentence such as &#x0201c;NCI&#x02019;s PDQ cancer information summary about breast cancer prevention states the risks in the following way: [include excerpt from the summary].&#x0201d;
</p><p id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_15">The best way to cite this PDQ summary is:</p><p id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_21">PDQ&#x000ae; Adult Treatment Editorial Board. PDQ Vulvar Cancer Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated &#x0003c;MM/DD/YYYY&#x0003e;. Available at: <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/types/vulvar/patient/vulvar-treatment-pdq" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">https://www.cancer.gov/types/vulvar/patient/vulvar-treatment-pdq</a>. Accessed &#x0003c;MM/DD/YYYY&#x0003e;. [PMID: 26389324]</p><p id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_16">Images in this summary are used with permission of the author(s), artist, and/or publisher for use in the PDQ summaries only. If you want to use an image from a PDQ summary and you are not using the whole summary, you must get permission from the owner. It cannot be given by the National Cancer Institute. Information about using the images in this summary, along with many other images related to cancer can be found in <a href="https://visualsonline.cancer.gov/" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Visuals Online</a>. Visuals Online is a collection of more than 3,000 scientific images.
</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_17"><h3>Disclaimer</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_18">The information in these summaries should not be used to make decisions about insurance reimbursement. More information on insurance coverage is available on Cancer.gov on the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/managing-care" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Managing Cancer Care</a> page.</p></div><div id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_19"><h3>Contact Us</h3><p id="CDR0000419665__AboutThis_20">More information about contacting us or receiving help with the Cancer.gov website can be found on our <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/contact" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">Contact Us for Help</a> page. Questions can also be submitted to Cancer.gov through the website&#x02019;s <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/contact/email-us" ref="pagearea=body&amp;targetsite=external&amp;targetcat=link&amp;targettype=uri">E-mail Us</a>.</p></div></div></div></div>
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<div xmlns:np="http://ncbi.gov/portal/XSLT/namespace" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"></div><div class="portlet"><div class="portlet_head"><div class="portlet_title"><h3><span>Views</span></h3></div><a name="Shutter" sid="1" href="#" class="portlet_shutter" title="Show/hide content" remembercollapsed="true" pgsec_name="PDF_download" id="Shutter"></a></div><div class="portlet_content"><ul xmlns:np="http://ncbi.gov/portal/XSLT/namespace" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="simple-list"><li><a href="/books/NBK65885.10/?report=reader">PubReader</a></li><li><a href="/books/NBK65885.10/?report=printable">Print View</a></li><li><a data-jig="ncbidialog" href="#_ncbi_dlg_citbx_NBK65885" data-jigconfig="width:400,modal:true">Cite this Page</a><div id="_ncbi_dlg_citbx_NBK65885" style="display:none" title="Cite this Page"><div class="bk_tt">PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. Vulvar Cancer Treatment (PDQ®): Patient Version. 2022 Jan 25. 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href="/books/NBK65885.3/">NBK65885.3</a></span> October 13, 2017</li><li><span class="bk_col_itm"><a href="/books/NBK65885.2/">NBK65885.2</a></span> July 14, 2016</li><li><span class="bk_col_itm"><a href="/books/NBK65885.1/">NBK65885.1</a></span> July 30, 2015</li></ul></div></div><div class="portlet"><div class="portlet_head"><div class="portlet_title"><h3><span>In this Page</span></h3></div><a name="Shutter" sid="1" href="#" class="portlet_shutter" title="Show/hide content" remembercollapsed="true" pgsec_name="page-toc" id="Shutter"></a></div><div class="portlet_content"><ul xmlns:np="http://ncbi.gov/portal/XSLT/namespace" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="simple-list"><li><a href="#CDR0000419665__1" ref="log$=inpage&amp;link_id=inpage">General Information About Vulvar Cancer</a></li><li><a href="#CDR0000419665__24" ref="log$=inpage&amp;link_id=inpage">Stages of Vulvar Cancer</a></li><li><a href="#CDR0000419665__49" ref="log$=inpage&amp;link_id=inpage">Treatment Option Overview</a></li><li><a href="#CDR0000419665__208" ref="log$=inpage&amp;link_id=inpage">Treatment of Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN)</a></li><li><a href="#CDR0000419665__212" ref="log$=inpage&amp;link_id=inpage">Treatment of Stages I and II Vulvar Cancer</a></li><li><a href="#CDR0000419665__216" ref="log$=inpage&amp;link_id=inpage">Treatment of Stage III Vulvar Cancer</a></li><li><a href="#CDR0000419665__220" ref="log$=inpage&amp;link_id=inpage">Treatment of Stage IVA Vulvar Cancer</a></li><li><a href="#CDR0000419665__224" ref="log$=inpage&amp;link_id=inpage">Treatment of Stage IVB Vulvar Cancer</a></li><li><a href="#CDR0000419665__111" ref="log$=inpage&amp;link_id=inpage">Treatment of Recurrent Vulvar Cancer</a></li><li><a href="#CDR0000419665__145" ref="log$=inpage&amp;link_id=inpage">To Learn More About Vulvar Cancer</a></li><li><a href="#CDR0000419665__AboutThis_1" ref="log$=inpage&amp;link_id=inpage">About This PDQ Summary</a></li></ul></div></div><div class="portlet"><div class="portlet_head"><div class="portlet_title"><h3><span>Related publications</span></h3></div><a name="Shutter" sid="1" href="#" class="portlet_shutter" title="Show/hide content" remembercollapsed="true" pgsec_name="document-links" id="Shutter"></a></div><div class="portlet_content"><ul xmlns:np="http://ncbi.gov/portal/XSLT/namespace" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" class="simple-list"><li><a href="/books/NBK65760/">Health Professional Version</a></li></ul></div></div><div class="portlet"><div class="portlet_head"><div class="portlet_title"><h3><span>Similar articles in PubMed</span></h3></div><a name="Shutter" sid="1" href="#" class="portlet_shutter" title="Show/hide content" remembercollapsed="true" pgsec_name="PBooksDiscovery_RA" id="Shutter"></a></div><div class="portlet_content"><ul><li class="brieflinkpopper two_line"><a class="brieflinkpopperctrl" href="/pubmed/26389388" 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