Living with and beyond cancer

After your treatment for vulva cancer you will have regular follow-up appointments and will continue to be seen by your surgical and/or oncology team.

I’ve just had surgery

If you have just had surgery you will receive six monthly appointments for the next five years.

I’ve had surgery and radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy

Follow-up appointments will continue for up to the next five years. You will receive an appointment four weeks after the conclusion of treatment to check for any side effects. This will be followed by three monthly check-ups for the remainder of the first year. You may have an MRI or CT scan three months post treatment. The frequency of follow-ups for the remaining four years will be determined by your clinical team.

Your clinical nurse specialist (CNS) will remain your key worker and main contact for help and advice. If necessary they can arrange for you to be seen earlier than scheduled.

I am worried my cancer has returned?

Contact your clinical nurse specialist (CNS) if you are worried that your cancer may have returned or you are suffering side effects of your treatment that you need help with.

The following symptoms should be reported to your CNS as they may require follow up:

Pain, itching or soreness of the vulva or around the back passage (anus).
Bleeding from the vulva or vagina
Discharge
Swelling of the legs
Appearance of swelling or lumps in the groin or in the vulva area
Lymphodema – is a long-term condition that causes swelling of the body’s tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs. Contact your CNS if you experience swelling in all or part of a limb or another part of your body. This may cause difficulty to get into clothes, and jewellery and watches can feel tight. Read more about lymphodema.

These symptoms may be completely unrelated to your cancer.

What will happen following my phone call?

One of the following may be suggested: