Surgery is the most common treatment of cancer of the vulva. Radical local excision takes out the cancer and a larger portion of normal tissue around the cancer. Lymph nodes may also be removed. The lymph nodes around it are usually removed as well. Radiation may be used alone or before or after surgery.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
Drugs may be given by mouth, or they may be put into the body by a needle in the vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is called systemic treatment because the drug enters the bloodstream, travels through the body, and can kill cancer cells throughout the body. Treatment of cancer of the vulva depends on the stage of the disease, the type of disease, and the patient's age and overall condition. Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Not all patients are cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired.