Treatment for vulval cancer
After treatment for vulval cancer, you have regular check ups at the hospital. Over time, these appointments become less frequent. How long you have follow up depends on the type of vulval cancer you have.
You usually have follow up appointments to check how you are. And to see whether you have any problems or worries. The appointments also give you the chance to raise any concerns you have about your progress.
How often you see your specialist depends on:
how you are feeling
the type of vulval cancer you have
the type of treatment you have had
whether you had any vulval skin conditions such as vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
You usually have follow up appointments every 3 to 6 months for 2 years. After 2 years, you may have follow up every 6 to 12 months. This usually continues for 3 years.
Your doctor or nurse examines you at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything. You might also have tests at some visits.
You might have:
blood tests
a bone marrow test
Contact your doctor or specialist nurse if you have any concerns between appointments. You should also contact them if you notice any new symptoms. You don’t have to wait until your next visit.
Many people find their follow up appointments quite worrying. A hospital appointment can bring back any anxiety you had about your cancer.
It can help to tell someone close to you how you’re feeling. Sharing your worries can mean they don’t seem so overwhelming. Many people find it helpful to have counselling during or after cancer treatment.
Read about counselling and how to find a counsellor
You can also find people to share experiences with by using our online forum, CancerChat.
Last reviewed: 11 Sept 2025
Next review due: 11 Sept 2028
The main treatments for vulval cancer are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Surgery is the main treatment for vulval cancer. The type of surgery you need depends on where the cancer is in your vulva.
Radiotherapy is a possible treatment for vulval cancer. It uses high energy waves similar to x-rays to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for vulval cancer. You usually have it in combination with radiotherapy. Common chemotherapy drugs include cisplatin and 5FU.
You have a number of tests to find out if you have vulval cancer. These include a vulval examination and a biopsy.
Vulval cancer is a rare cancer. It can start in any part of the female external sex organs, the vulva. The treatment you need depends on how big the cancer is and whether it has spread.
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