Is chemo effective in treating squarmous cell cancer of the vulva?

A fellow caregiver asked...

I was just told that i have squamous cell cancer of the vulva and that chemotherapy might help. What is the chance that it will work or even help?

Expert Answer

Bruce A. Feinberg, MD, chief of the Georgia Cancer Specialists, is an oncologist and the author of Breast Cancer Answers and Colon Cancer Answers and a popular speaker on cancer-related topics.

Squamous cell cancer of the vulva is treated differently depending on the stage and the size of the tumor area. You need to have a thorough discussion of treatment options with your doctor and ask if chemotherapy will be a component in your treatment. Early stage cancers of the vulva are typically treated with excision or laser surgery. Often lymph nodes must be removed surgically as well. For stage II, III, and IV cancers, surgery is typically followed by chemotherapy, radiation, or both. Sometimes the chemotherapy and radiation are used first to shrink the tumor, followed by excision. Here are some suggestions for having a productive and open discussion with your oncologist about treatment options. If you are having trouble obtaining clear information from your oncologist, you may want to get a second opinion.