Simple vulvectomy takes out the entire vulva, but no lymph nodes. Partial vulvectomy takes out less than the entire vulva. Radical vulvectomy takes out the entire vulva. 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 By Stage Treatment for cancer of the vulva depends on the stage of your disease, the type of disease, your age, and your overall condition. You may receive treatment that is considered standard based on its effectiveness in a number of patients in past studies, or you may choose to go into a clinical trial. Not all patients are cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired.