Vulvar cancer is a rare cancer women may develop. The vulva is all of the external areas of the female genitalia. According to the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) report, 3,580 women will end up with a cancer of the vulva diagnosis in 2009, and an estimated 900 women will die from the condition that same year. The condition typically affects women in their fifth decade of life or later. Several different forms of vulvar cancer may occur. Although treatment plans vary by patient depending on the cancer type and staging, four major types of treatment are available--used alone or in combination.
Surgery
According to the National Cancer Institute, surgery is the most common treatment option for vulvar cancer. Several different types of surgery are available to treat the cancer. The extent of the surgery depends on the stage of the cancer. The simplest surgery includes removing the cancerous growth and a wide area surrounding the cancer. The largest surgery, called a pelvic exenteration, includes the removal of the vagina, cervix, ovaries and lymph nodes as well as the lower section of the large intestine, bladder and rectum. Some surgeries may require reconstructive surgeries to help restore function.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is less invasive than surgery and used for patients with a low stage of vulvar cancer. The treatment consists of using a laser beam concentrated on the affected area to kill off the cancer cells. The laser may cause burning to the treated area.
Radiation
According to the Mayo Clinic, radiation therapy follows surgery and uses radiation to kill the remaining cancer not removed by the operation. Radiation therapy uses a machine to deliver the therapy outside of the body to the affected area. The alternate way to use radiation is by placing it directly into the body with a catheter, a needle, seeds or wires. The stage of the vulvar cancer determines the choice of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy may cause burns to the area.
Chemotherapy
Used in addition to radiation therapy or alone, chemotherapy uses medication to stop the spread of the cancer cells. Chemotherapy works to kill or slow the cancer growth. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the medication is available in pill form or by intravenous therapy---where it is placed directly into the vein. Chemotherapy for vulvar cancer may also be applied as a cream to the affected area. Some side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, hair loss and fatigue.
