Vulvar Cancer Treatment

Personalized treatment options for vulvar cancer tailored to your unique needs.

At Henry Ford, we use advanced technology and the best approaches to manage your vulvar cancer diagnosis. Our team will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the stage of cancer, your age and general health.

Types of vulvar cancer treatment

We offer innovative techniques and treatment options for vulvar cancer, tailored to your diagnosis. Our multidisciplinary vulvar cancer tumor board meets weekly to discuss your case and develop a treatment plan. 

Your treatment may include one or more of these options:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Clinical trials

Vulvar cancer grows slowly. If the cancer is in the early stage, an ointment known as topical chemotherapy may be used to destroy the cancer cells. A different ointment may be chosen to boost the body’s immune response to fight the cancer. If the cancer does not go away, then surgery is the main treatment for the disease. Depending on the type and stage of vulvar cancer, laser therapy or radiation therapy may be needed. 

Minimally-invasive and reconstructive surgery 

Whenever possible, our surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery, which provides the same benefits and leads to faster recovery and less discomfort. Some surgical options for vulvar cancer include:

• Laser therapy or surgery, which involves using a narrow beam of high-energy light to vaporize (or burn off) precancerous tissue or non-invasive cancer. 
• Partial or modified radical vulvectomy is done to remove part of the vulva and the deep tissue.
• Vulvar reconstruction

Clinical trials

Medical research, known as clinical trials, is constantly being done to find better ways of treating vulvar cancer. Enrolling in a clinical trial may provide treatment options that are still under exploration.

At Henry Ford, our research nurse will work with you to find the clinical trial for a new drug or treatment approach that meets your needs. 

Personalized care and support

Our multidisciplinary team will help you understand what to expect during your clinic visit, and explain your treatment options to you. We will be there for any questions you may have during your journey.