The management of vulval cancer

Vulval cancer is a rare disease. Squamous cancer is the most common subtype. The traditional surgical approach for the disease was to perform an en-bloc radical vulvectomy and bilateral groin node dissections. A better understanding of the prognostic factors influencing survival has enabled surgical treatment to be refined. In early disease, groin node dissections are now done through separate incisions, and a wide local excision is used to remove the primary. In advanced disease, radiation in combination with chemotherapy is being used so that sphincter function is not compromised. To enable individualization of treatment, multidisciplinary teams in cancer centres should conduct management.