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Female perineal anatomy
Female perineal anatomy
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Cancer - vulva

Alternative Names:
Cancer - perineum

Treatment:
Surgical removal is the standard treatment. If the tumor is large (more than 2 cm) or has grown deeply into the underlying skin, excision of the lymph nodes in the groin may be necessary as well. Radiation, with or without chemotherapy, may be used to treat advanced tumors or tumor recurrences.

Support Groups:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):
Five-year survival rates in women who are diagnosed and treated in the early stages of vulvar cancer can be excellent (more than 90%). The outcome depends on the size of the lesion, the type of cancer, and whether or not spreading (metastases) to the lymph nodes of the region has occurred. Recurrence at or near the original site is fairly common.

Complications:

Metastasis (spread to other organs)

Complications of radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy



Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if any vulvar lesion, color changes, or local irritation persists longer than 2 weeks.

Review Date: 8/6/2002
Reviewed By: Kevin Knopf, M.D., M.P.H., Hematologist/Oncologist and Director of Clinical Research, Annapolis Oncology/Hematology Center, Annapolis, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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