Follow-up after treatment for vulvar cancer
Follow-up after treatment is an important part of cancer care. Follow-up for vulvar cancer is often shared among different cancer specialists (oncologists), the surgeon and your family doctor. Your healthcare team will work with you to decide on follow-up care to meet your needs.
Don’t wait until your next scheduled appointment to report any new symptoms and symptoms that don’t go away. Tell your healthcare team if you have:
- itching of the vulva
- changes to the skin of the vulva
- any new lump or swelling in the groin or pelvis
- pain or bleeding
The chance that vulvar cancer will come back (recur) is greatest within 5 years, so you will need close follow-up during this time.
Schedule for follow-up visits
Follow-up visits for vulvar cancer are usually scheduled:
After surgery
- every 3 to 4 months for the first 2 to 3 years
- every 6 months for years 4 to 5
- once a year after 5 years
After radiation therapy
- after 1 month, every 3 to 4 months for the first 2 to 3 years
- every 6 months for years 4 to 5
- once a year after 5 years
During follow-up visits
During a follow-up visit, your healthcare team will usually ask questions about the side effects of treatment and how you’re coping.
Your doctor may do a physical exam, including:
- a pelvic exam and a Pap test
- examining the skin of the vulva and anus
- feeling the lymph nodes in the groin and pelvis
Tests can be done as part of follow-up care. You may have:
- a CT scan to see if cancer has spread to lymph nodes or organs in the pelvis or abdomen, such as the liver or bladder
- a biopsy to check abnormal areas of the vulva
- a chest x-ray to see if cancer has spread to the lungs
If the cancer has come back, you and your healthcare team will discuss a plan for your treatment and care.
Questions to ask about follow-up
To make the decisions that are right for you, ask your healthcare team questions about follow-up.