Follow-up care for vulvar and vaginal cancer

Women with vaginal or vulvar cancer require posttreatment surveillance that aims to detect possible recurrences earlier and ascertain adequate support with regard to treatment-induced somatic or psychological challenges. This article focuses on specific follow-up measures and intervals. The goal of the present work is to provide consensus-based recommendations for the posttreatment surveillance of women with vulvar or vaginal cancer. Selective literature search with special attention to studies of large groups and national and international recommendations. Vulvar and vaginal cancer surveillance consists primarily of a thorough review of symptoms and of physical examinations. Within the first 3 years after primary treatment, follow-up appointments should be scheduled at 3-month intervals, in the years 4 and 5 at 6-month intervals, and thereafter on a yearly basis. Further investigations (imaging, histopathology) are indicated when recurrence is suspected. Routine cancer surveillance after primary treatment of women with vulvar and vaginal cancer helps to identify local recurrence that may be salvageable often with relatively good prognosis. However, it has never been demonstrated that any of the follow-up measures have an impact on morbidity or mortality.