extent of radiation required to treat vulvar cancer?

Posted by drlmw @drlmw, 4 days ago

I have vulvar cancer. Two lumps removed last year plus a third follow up surgery on the first lump which showed no malignancy. I recently had three lymph nodes removed and one had malignant cells. I am getting radiation and chemo soon. My surgeon recommended getting pelvic and groin radiation but NOT direct vulvar radiation. The radiologist recommends including the vulvar radiation. I'd rather avoid it. I have not been able to find any info evaluating the effectiveness of vulvar radiation in addition to the other, especially in light of the nasty side effects. Any experience?

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andwho | @andwho | 4 days ago

I did have vulvar cancer & received both radiation & chemo. Radiation on the vulvar was no joke! I think is the most sensitive part of the body. Receiving radiation there gets worse throughout your treatment. Not to frighten you but this was in 8/23 & have side effects on the vulvar skin. So far I have been clear of any reoccurrence. I hope this helps.
Let me know if I can help answer any questions!