Treatment of Vulvar Melanoma

Vulvar melanoma is a rare but serious cancer that develops in the pigment-producing cells of the vulva. Treatment depends on the size of the tumor and whether it has spread. The main treatment is surgery, the same as that for vulvar squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. 

A partial vulvectomy (surgery to remove the tumor and a rim of healthy tissue around it), along with lymph node removal is the usual treatment for melanoma on the vulva. In some cases, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy may also be used. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Treatment options depend on:

• How deep the melanoma is
• Where it is on the skin of the vulva
• Whether it's ulcerated (an open sore)
• Spread to lymph nodes

The cancer stage and the woman's age and personal preferences are also key.

If the melanoma has spread outside the vulva, other treatments may be needed. More on treatment of vulvar melanoma can be found in Melanoma Skin Cancer. 

Because vulvar melanoma has a high chance of coming back, regular doctor visits and scans are important. Patients may need check-ups every few months to monitor for any signs of cancer returning. Routine skin exams can also help find new melanomas early.