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

Thank you for responding. I will see my oncologist Monday and see what she says. I’ve self diagnosed myself so I could be wrong! I have been cancer free thank god but one thing is for sure no one has prepared me for what happens after radiation. Radiation has so far killed the cancer but has also left overall damage & side effects. Does anyone else feel the same? Maybe you could share. It would be nice to share our feelings.

@andwho I had pelvic radiation for a recurrence of endometrial cancer in 2021. I’ve kept up with my follow-up visits and have shown No Evidence of Disease since finishing the radiation. I did not develop rectal prolapse although I’ve had other effects including an exacerbation of osteoporosis that resulted in a sacral fracture. I know there are all sorts of late effects from radiation therapy and rectum prolapse must be uncomfortable for you. Did your doctor recommend any treatment for you?

Has anyone developed rectum prolapse as a result of pelvic radiation?
I was diagnosed with vulvar cancer 1 1/2 years ago. Been free since radiation & chemo treatment. Thank god but have developed rectum prolapse. Any input?

I was diagnosed with vulvar cancer stage 1b squamous cell back in may 2023. No surgery tumor was too big. 32 rounds of radiation 3 rounds of chemo. Pet mri has been clear. Still some side effects that no doctor tells you about or prepares you for. I guess it’s better than having cancer but my quality of life has changed. Do you have any side effects you can share?

@andwho, here's some information from Mayo Clinic
- Rectum Prolapse https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rectal-prolapse/symptoms-causes/syc-20352837

You might find these related discussions helpful:
- Rectal Prolapse: What are my options?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/rectal-prolapse-1/
- Anyone had bladder, rectal and uterine prolapse surgery?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bladder-prolapse-rectal-prolapse-and-uterine-prolapse-surgery/

Thank you for sharing what you are going thru. I am thankful my radiologist treated my condition, I am cancer free but had no idea about any possible side effects. Rectum prolapse definitely interferes with quality of life. What a surprise & frightening at the same time.
Does any of this ever go away or is this the new me??

After 32 doses of Radiation For vulvar cancer I discovered that it has damaged the muscle wall in my vagina. I have a constant feeling of a tampon that needs to come out making it very uncomfortable to sit upright due to my rectum bulging into a pocket in the weak vaginal wall. My Dr. Offered to send me to a surgeon to repair this rectocele but I chose pelvic floor physical therapy as a first step in dealing with the damage. Bowel movements are not too difficult so I’m going to live with it for now. I had no idea that something like this would be a side effect.

I have not heard of this happening. Did u contact your Dr? You are so right they don't prepare you for anything. Please keep us posted. I am 2 years post surgery and 1 1/2 years since chemo and radiation.

Can rectum prolapse be a side effect of pelvic radiation? I had radiation for vulvar cancer over 1 year ago. Any info would be helpful. Oncologists & radiologists don’t prepare you for any side effects!

Oh My!!!! Radiation!!!! And 32 rounds. It is like I want to pass out just hearing about it! My oncologist told me if I no longer react positively to be treated with Imiquimod to treat my Extra Mammary Paget of the vulva, she said No radiation as a course but chemo directly. Not one Dr has the same opinion but that kind of scares me!!!! I put you in my thoughts. Happy Thanksgiving one and all. I am grateful for Mayo Clinic and the way we can safely communicate among us!