Have patients with early squamous carcinoma of the vulva been overtreated in the past? The Norwegian experience 1977-1991.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate different surgical approaches in early squamous vulvar cancer.

METHODS

Review of clinical and histopathologic data and follow-up information of 216 patients with clinical FIGO stage I-II disease, primarily treated by surgery from 1977-1991.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients underwent radical vulvectomy with bilateral groin dissection by en bloc excision, 60 by the triple incision technique, 20 individualized vulvar surgery with uni-or bilateral groin dissection, and 47 vulvar surgery only. Groin metastases occurred in 9% stage I and 25% stage II disease. Groin involvement was not seen in stage I tumors with invasion depth < or =/=1 mm. Bilateral metastases occurred in medially located tumors of both stages, and laterally located stage II. Metastases were ipsilateral in lateral stage 1. Separate groin dissection significantly reduced morbidity. Sixty-six patients relapsed, 14 after more than 5 years. Vulvar recurrence was related to tumor diameter and the condition of the resection borders. The single most important predictor of death from vulvar cancer was the presence of inguinal femoral lymph node metastases. Conservative and individualized surgery did not compromise 5-year survival.

CONCLUSIONS

A careful selection of patients fitted for less radical surgery is essential to avoid undertreatment. Groin dissection can be omitted in tumors with diameters < or =/=2 cm and invasion depth < or =/=1 mm. At least ipsilateral groin dissection is needed in all other cases. Groin dissection should be performed through separate incisions. Modified vulvectomy is appropriate provided radicality can be obtained. Long-time follow-up is important as recurrences can be seen many years after primary therapy.