Vulvar cancer treatment with radiotherapy

Radiotherapy destroys cancer cells using powerful energy beams like X-rays and electrons. This treatment type for vulvar cancer is usually performed using a device that moves around your body and directs radiation to specific points on the skin (external radiation). Radiation therapy is sometimes used to reduce large vulvar tumors to increase the likelihood of surgery success. For example, suppose vulvar cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes. In that case, the doctor may recommend irradiating the area around the lymph nodes to kill all cancer cells that may remain after surgery. In such situations, radiotherapy is combined with chemotherapy. In addition, there are cases when surgeons refuse surgery because of the patient's young age to preserve the organ's integrity. Radiation therapy begins with planning or simulation, during which specialists mark the patient's body and take measurements to set the radiation in the exact direction. Then the program of daily irradiation sessions starts. During the session, the patient lies on the table while her pelvic cavity is treated with radiation from different angles. Remote radiation therapy for vulvar cancer is performed on an outpatient basis, usually five days a week for several weeks.