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

Does anyone have any recommendations to help with the pain and burning? I have Lidocaine spray and gel but neither helps very much. The tumor is very fast growing and the larger it gets the more painful it is to sit, walk or even lay. I am scheduled for surgery on October 23 and the surgeon says “the only thing that will help with the pain is the surgery “, which is still 4 weeks away.
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If I understood her correctly, she will start with one. I will repost when I know more. Right now the schedulers for the 2 doctors are working to find a date/time that works for both of them.

@caddo I’m very happy that you feel supported here. It is a relief that the PET scan showed no spread of the cancer. Did the surgical oncologist tell you how many lymph nodes would be removed for sampling? Once you know more about what will happen during your surgery will you let us know? I’m quite certain there are others in this discussion who can give you support and advice on what to expect.

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.

Hello @cynthiat. When did you have your first surgery for this? and do you have treatment through a cancer hospital? I can only tell you my story. Diagnosed in April at age 73. Definitely HPV related (which was the biggest surprise in this). So little (comparatively) is known about this cancer, but I did a lot of research in medical papers because the hospital I went to treated the "here and now" — so that treatment included two surgeries (because they didn't get it all in the first) and now I have to return every 4 mos. to be checked. One thing I have learned is that you need to be with a medical team who specializes in your type of cancer, and for whom this is standard fare. Feel free to reach out if you wish.

Hi everyone,

I have had vulvar cancer officially 3 times with the third time being metastatic through my abdomen and chest. I've just recieved my 3 month PET scan which shows increased uptake and growth so most likely I'm on the road to a 4th diagnosis. I had genetic testing which did not show any markers so I'm not a candidate for immunotherapy and since I've had chemotherapy twice and radiation once I just don't beleive there is much they can do. Is there anyone in this group who is living with vulvar cancer or knows someone who did? I'm curious about progressive symptoms and productive palliative care.

I'm only 50, have never had HPV and have no history of cancers in my family so I'm definitely what my doctor calls a unicorn. But any assistancce on what to expect going forward would be truly helpful.

I had a VIN1 removed 4 yrs ago and have yearly checks with the GYN. This past year I have had 2 squamous cell carcinomas removed this past year. One from my nose in which they did a Mohs procedure, and one on my shoulder which was shown to be invasive squamous cell. Previously when they were removing the VIN1 , i was tested for HPV and had 3 of the high risk ones for CA. I am concerned that I am higher risk for these type of CA. The VIN1 was very obviously different looking tissue (looked like a wart) but the skin cancers I had were not recognizable to me. I am wondering what type of skin changes should I look for in the vulva area to see if i might need a sooner appt than 1x year. I have never seen a vulvar cancer and wouldnt know what to look for, that is what i am asking about. What do I look for?

@stephkleier, I’m not sure I’m following your timeline correctly. If I understand, you had 2 pre-cancerous lesions removed and will see your GYN oncologist again in a year for follow-up. But you are concerned that is too long a period to wait for follow-up given potential risk factors that you may have. Is that correct?

Are you able to schedule a consult with the doctor to discuss your risk factors and how that might influence a more frequent follow up or why that might not be necessary?

@bearl, have you had a chance to speak with your doctor and get clarification and a game plan?

I was wondering if any of you can tell me what i should be looking or feeling for to keep an eye on myself? I had a VIN 1 area on vulva that they removed with laser and one near the vaginal opening. I have a yearly appt with the gyn-onc to keep an eye on it. But the first lesions were so obviously different I could not have missed them. I am concerned because i have recently had 2 squamous cell carcinomas removed from my skin, on was invasive on shoulder and i hear this increases your risk for that type of cancer as well as having 2 or 3 of the high risk HPV markers. Any advice would be appreciated.