Squamous Cell Vulvar Cancer: Who out there has this cancer?

I have melanoma vulvar cancer. Had first appt. at Mayo Dec.6th and they took out ulcerated tumor to biopsy and found that it was melanoma vulvar and had a radical vulvectomy seven days ago. They did a sentinel node biopsy, took out the lymph node and it was clear. I go back to Mayo tomorrow morning for my check up. Was hoping to get the drain out but it has to be below 20 cc a day for two days and I am still over 300 cc for one day! They said not to worry and it could stay in two to three weeks to get fluid out so there is less of a chance of lymphedema in my legs. Recovery should take four to six weeks and I will be monitored closely after that for a recurrence but so far, I have been extremely impressed with Mayo Clinic and am happy I am there!

@crissyd This sounds just awful to me. You have a lot of pain and it sounds like your doctor isn't listening to or answering your questions. When the doctor thought the bump was a small infected cyst was the bump removed was it sent to pathology? If yes, what did the pathology report say? Any bump or really any tissue removed from your body should be sent to pathology for a diagnosis. There are many other diagnoses the cyst/bump could be.

Do you feel like you would like another opinion from a different doctor? Are there are other gynecologists where you live where you can make an appointment? The pain you are feeling from your side to your back is very real and disruption and could be related to the vulvar bump or could be something else. I can see how worried you are.

Will you get a different medical opinion?

I recently was diagnosed with VAIN1 after abnormal pap. I have no cervix so diagnosis was very surprising. Then, when the internal biopsy was being completed the Gyno doctor said you have vulva lesions and would like your dermatologists (never would have thought derm doctor) to biopsy the lesions to check for melanoma. Just had Melanoma and Basil surgery on my back in Oct 2023. Had no idea you could get melanoma where no sunshine is involved. The biopsy on the external sounds very painful compared to internal. Jan 25th will have biopsy. Read can take two or three weeks to heal from biopsy. Does that sound right?

I recently was diagnosed with VAIN1 after abnormal pap. I have no cervix so diagnosis was very surprising. Then, when the internal biopsy was being completed the Gyno doctor said you have vulva lesions and would like your dermatologists (never would have thought derm doctor) to biopsy the lesions to check for melanoma. Just had Melanoma and Basil surgery on my back in Oct 2023. Had no idea you could get melanoma where no sunshine is involved. The biopsy on the external sounds very painful compared to internal. Jan 25th will have biopsy. Read can take two or three weeks to heal from biopsy. Does that sound right?

Please, get another medical opinion. I waiting to long to see one. But so gald I did see one. I am still going through my journey of having Vulvar cancer...

I had a PET scan on September 28 which showed no indication that the cancer has spread. My oncologist referred me to another oncologist to see if it is in my lymph glands at the same time as the vulvectomy. I met with the second oncologist and she said they were going to remove lymph glands, not just check them. I had obviously not understood what my oncologist told me. I am thankful for this support group. It was so helpful to read about other’s experiences. I had no idea the extent of what will be done and the recuperation required.