Vulvar_Cancer_Flashcards
What is the mainstay treatment for vulvar cancer?
The mainstay treatment for vulvar cancer is radical surgical excision aiming for a clear margin of 15 mm.
When is neoadjuvant radiotherapy often used in vulvar cancer?
Neoadjuvant radiotherapy is often used in vulvar cancer to shrink large lesions, often combined with chemotherapy.
Why is a sentinel lymph node biopsy performed in vulvar cancer?
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed in vulvar cancer to identify affected groin nodes as untreated groin node metastases will be fatal.
What is the current approach for managing groin node metastases in vulvar cancer?
The current approach for managing groin node metastases in vulvar cancer is full inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy for all tumors with a depth of invasion greater than 1 mm.
What are the complications associated with groin lymphadenectomy?
Complications associated with groin lymphadenectomy include wound healing problems, infection, VTE, and chronic lymphoedema.
What percentage of women with vulvar cancer have groin node involvement?
15% of women with vulvar cancer have groin node involvement.
How can a full groin lymphadenectomy be avoided in vulvar cancer?
A full groin lymphadenectomy can be avoided in vulvar cancer by performing a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
What is the role of dye and radioactive nucleotide in vulvar cancer surgery?
A dye and radioactive nucleotide can be injected into the vulvar tumor to identify the sentinel node.
What is the indication for a full groin lymphadenectomy in vulvar cancer?
If the sentinel node is positive for disease, a full groin lymphadenectomy is indicated in vulvar cancer.
When is adjuvant radiotherapy indicated in vulvar cancer?
Adjuvant radiotherapy is indicated in vulvar cancer if the excision margins are close or if there are two or more groin node metastases.
When might radical radiotherapy be used instead of surgery in vulvar cancer?
Radical radiotherapy may be used instead of surgery in vulvar cancer if the patient is unfit for surgery.
