[Surgical treatment of early-stage vulva carcinoma and the complications of the operation].
The treatment of patients with early-stage squamous-cell carcinoma of the vulva (with a depth of invasion > 1 mm), i.e. stage T1 with a tumour diameter < or = 2 cm or T2 with a diameter > 2 cm without suspect groin nodes on palpation, has become less radical; in this way, the complications can be reduced without compromising the generally favourable prognosis. Wide local excision with tumour-free margins of 2 cm appears to be a safe option for the local treatment. Uni- or bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy with separate incisions is currently part of the standard treatment. The complications associated with this standard surgical treatment remain significant: there are frequent disorders of wound healing, wound infections, lymphoceles, lymphoedema and effects on psychosexual behaviour. The minimal invasive sentinel lymph-node procedure is a promising technique in patients with early-stage squamous-cell carcinoma of the vulva, but the safety of the procedure must still be proven.
de Hullu
J A
JA
Universitair Medisch Centrum St Radboud, afd. Gynaecologische Oncologie, huispost 415, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen. j.dehullu@obgyn.umcn.nl
van der Zee
A G J
AG
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007264:Inguinal Canal; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011379:Prognosis; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing