← Back to guidelines
Oncology22 papers

Malignant neoplasm of vulva

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Malignant neoplasm of the vulva refers to cancerous growths originating in the vulvar tissue, often presenting as a lesion or ulceration that may be painful or asymptomatic 1. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical examination including palpation and visual inspection 1.
  • Biopsy confirmation of malignancy through histopathology 1.
  • Imaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT) may be used to assess extent and metastasis 1.
  • Tumor staging according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) system 1.
  • Management

  • Primary Surgery: Wide local excision with adequate margins, often incorporating modified surgical techniques like modified M-plasty to optimize cosmetic and functional outcomes 1.
  • Adjuvant Therapy: Radiation therapy for locally advanced or high-risk disease 1.
  • Chemotherapy: Considered for advanced stages or metastatic disease, often using platinum-based regimens (e.g., cisplatin) 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: Management strategies vary; surgical intervention may be deferred until postpartum if feasible 1.
  • Elderly: Tailored treatment plans considering comorbidities and functional status; less aggressive approaches may be warranted 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Utilize modified surgical techniques such as modified M-plasty to enhance surgical outcomes while minimizing morbidity (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
  • Perform wide local excision with clear margins for localized vulvar malignancies (Evidence: Strong) 1.
  • Consider adjuvant radiation therapy for patients with high-risk features to improve local control (Evidence: Moderate) 1.
  • References

    1 Asken S. A modified M-plasty. The Journal of dermatologic surgery and oncology 1986. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      A modified M-plasty.Asken S The Journal of dermatologic surgery and oncology (1986)

    HemoChat

    by SPINAI

    Evidence-based clinical decision support powered by SNOMED-CT, Neo4j GraphRAG, and NASS/AO/NICE guidelines.

    ⚕ For clinical reference only. Not a substitute for professional judgment.

    © 2026 HemoChat. All rights reserved.
    Research·Pricing·Privacy & Terms·Refund·SNOMED-CT · NASS · AO Spine · NICE · GraphRAG