Radiation therapy and surgery in the treatment of regional lymph nodes in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.

A series of 244 patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinomas was analyzed with regard to treatment of the regional lymph nodes. In 144 patients, groin dissection was performed, supplemented in 24 cases by pelvic lymphadenectomy. Preoperative irradiation was given and in cases with positive nodes postoperative irradiation as well. Patients in whom lymph node dissection was not performed received irradiation. Treatment failures in the regional lymph node regions were analyzed and the policy concerning treatment of the regional lymph nodes is discussed.