Confirm the extent of resection
Confirm whether the planned surgery is the most suitable to achieve clear margins.
Reviewed by Prof. Luis González Bayón · Updated: April 30, 2026
Specialty
Surgery for vulvar cancer
At Quenet-Torrent Institute we treat vulvar cancer with oncological surgery, reconstructive techniques and a multidisciplinary team that takes quality of life into account.
CONTACT SPECIALIST
Clinical summary
Vulvar cancer is treated with radical vulvectomy and inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, with sentinel lymph node biopsy in early stages to minimize side effects. At Quenet-Torrent Institute (Barcelona · Madrid), Prof. Luis González Bayón applies this approach together with Dr. Quenet and Dr. Torrent, with reconstructive techniques when needed.
What is vulvar cancer?
Vulvar cancer is a malignant tumor that arises in the tissues of the vulva, mainly in the labia majora. It is uncommon and mainly affects women over 60.
Risk factors include HPV infection, lichen sclerosus, immunosuppression, smoking and a history of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). Symptoms may include persistent itching, visible lesions, pain, bleeding or ulceration.
Early diagnosis significantly improves the prognosis. Surgery is the main treatment and must balance oncological radicality with preservation of function and appearance.
Symptoms of vulvar cancer
Vulvar cancer usually presents with persistent vulvar itching (pruritus) that does not respond to the usual treatments, pain or burning in the area, and a lump, wart or sore that does not heal. There may also be changes in the color or thickness of the vulvar skin, as well as bleeding or discharge unrelated to menstruation and pain when urinating.
Many of these symptoms are shared with other benign conditions, so they often go unnoticed for months. With any of these signs that lasts more than four weeks, it is advisable to see a specialist in gynecological oncology. Detection at early stages significantly improves the chances of conservative treatment and the long-term prognosis.
Causes and risk factors of vulvar cancer
Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main factor involved in the development of vulvar cancer, especially in younger women. Precancerous lesions known as vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), lichen sclerosus and other chronic vulvar skin conditions that change the tissue structure over time are also associated.
Other factors that increase the risk are smoking, older age, immunosuppression (whether from diseases such as HIV or from immunosuppressive treatments) and a personal history of cervical cancer or other tumors of the lower genital tract. A combination of several of these factors considerably raises the likelihood of developing the disease, which is why regular gynecological follow-up is especially important for women with any of them.
Why ask for a second opinion on vulvar cancer?
A second opinion helps choose the most suitable surgical approach.
Evaluate the sentinel lymph node
Evaluate whether the sentinel lymph node technique is feasible to avoid complete lymphadenectomies.
Assess reconstructive options
Assess reconstruction techniques to minimize the functional and cosmetic impact.
Consider alternatives
In selected cases, assess treatments combined with radiotherapy.
It is mainly useful to adjust the extent of surgery and reduce after-effects.
How do we treat vulvar cancer?
Surgical treatment is the basis of vulvar cancer treatment.
Wide local excision
For small lesions, with adequate safety margins.
Partial or radical vulvectomy
Depending on the extent of the tumor, preserving as much function as possible.
Sentinel lymph node
Identification of the first draining lymph node for staging with minimal side effects.
Inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy
When indicated, with techniques that minimize complications.
Surgery is planned individually, seeking a balance between radicality and quality of life.
Our technology
Technology to treat vulvar cancer
These are the techniques we use for staging, surgery and reconstruction.
Sentinel lymph node detection
With technetium and/or indocyanine green for precise localization.
Reconstructive techniques
Local and regional flaps for functional and cosmetic closure.
Preoperative imaging
MRI and PET-CT to assess local and lymph node spread.
Multidisciplinary teams
Collaboration with plastic surgery when needed.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Experience and sensitivity in every case
At Quenet-Torrent Institute the same surgical team stays with the patient from assessment to follow-up.
Experience in complex cases
We focus on advanced cancer and complex cases, with techniques such as vulvectomy with flap reconstruction or pelvic exenteration, which not every center offers.
Comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach
Surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nutritionists and psychologists review your case together.
Research
We follow the published scientific evidence and review our protocols when new data appear.
Surgical technology
We have sentinel lymph node detection with technetium and indocyanine green, MRI, PET-CT and flap reconstruction techniques.
Personal, close care
We explain each step of the treatment and answer your questions throughout the process.
Our team
Vulvar cancer specialists
Surgeons on the team who treat vulvar cancer.
Dr. François Quenet
Oncological surgeon
View doctor: Dr. François Quenet"Surgeon with expertise in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tumors and in highly difficult operations."
Dr. Juan José Torrent
Oncological surgeon
View doctor: Dr. Juan José Torrent"Specialist in gynecological tumors, peritoneal carcinomatosis and complex oncological surgery."
Frequently asked questions about vulvar cancer
Answers to the most common questions about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Can vulvar cancer be cured?
Yes, especially if it is detected at early stages, when surgery alone is very effective. The usual problem is diagnostic delay: many patients live for months with itching or a lesion that is put down to other causes, so it is advisable to consult about any lesion that does not heal.
Does surgery greatly affect quality of life?
Current techniques are much less aggressive than those of decades ago and aim to preserve as much function as possible. When the resection is wide, reconstructive surgery with flaps reduces the cosmetic and functional impact. The effect on sexuality and body image should be discussed openly before surgery.
What is the sentinel lymph node?
It is the first lymph node that the tumor drains to. It is located and removed selectively, and if it contains no tumor cells, complete groin lymph node dissection is avoided. This greatly reduces the risk of lymphedema in the legs, the most limiting after-effect of this surgery.
Is radiotherapy needed after surgery?
It depends on the stage, the surgical margin obtained and whether the groin lymph nodes are involved. When there are positive nodes or the margin is narrow, additional radiotherapy is indicated to reduce the risk of local relapse. In early tumors with wide margins, surgery is usually enough.
How long does recovery take?
The hospital stay is usually 3 to 7 days and full recovery takes between 4 and 8 weeks. Healing of the vulvar area requires careful local care and is what most affects the postoperative period, especially if a flap reconstruction has been done.
Is lymphedema common?
It was common when complete groin lymph node dissection was performed on every patient. The sentinel lymph node technique has greatly reduced that complication, because it avoids removing lymph nodes that do not need to be removed. When it appears, early physiotherapy and compression measures improve control of the lymphedema.
Does the HPV vaccine prevent vulvar cancer?
It reduces the risk, yes. Some vulvar cancers are related to human papillomavirus, and vaccination prevents those lesions. But others arise on chronic skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus, unrelated to the virus, and in those cases dermatological monitoring is what protects.
Is a second opinion necessary?
It is advisable, especially if the proposed surgery is extensive or includes complete groin lymph node dissection. Confirming whether you are a candidate for the sentinel lymph node technique and assessing the reconstruction options can considerably change the after-effects you will live with afterwards.
Where can I receive this treatment safely?
At centers with proven experience in gynecological oncological surgery and in vulvar reconstruction. It is an uncommon tumor, so the team's experience matters more than usual. It is worth asking whether they perform the sentinel lymph node technique and whether they have reconstructive surgery in the same operation.
Where to treat vulvar cancer?
We operate in two private hospitals in Spain. The same medical team treats you in Madrid and in Barcelona, with the same surgical and oncological protocols.
Madrid
Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Private hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcón with a multidisciplinary team specialised in digestive surgical oncology.
View Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Private hospital in Barcelona where the team performs high-complexity surgical oncology.
View Centro Médico Teknon
Real cases
Patients treated by the Quenet Torrent team
Real testimonies from patients treated by our team in high-complexity surgical oncology.
Debra's case
66-year-old English woman with advanced ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. Treated with cytoreduction + HIPEC, she is now disease-free.
Read the full caseRosario (Charo)'s case
73-year-old patient with advanced cancer treated with chemotherapy and high-complexity surgical oncology, with good survival and quality of life.
Read the full caseFelipe's case
A mistaken diagnosis of terminal colon cancer that a second opinion revealed to be pseudomyxoma peritonei, treatable with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
Read the full caseSantiago's case
Diagnosed with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis and considered inoperable. After complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, today his is a story of survival.
Read the full case
Verified reviews
See on Google
4.5/5
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
5/5
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The personal care is excellent and so are the results. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
5/5
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
5/5
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
5/5
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
5/5
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
5/5
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. When I sent my diagnosis to every center, practically all of them agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time, since I had a very aggressive type of cell. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life, because during the operation the harmful cells that everyone had diagnosed, and that were the reason nobody would operate on me, were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
M
6 years ago
5/5
The best decision of my life was finding this excellent team of surgeons who saved my husband's life. At a prestigious international clinic in Madrid he was given up for lost with advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer, and thanks to them, the best professionals in this field, he was operated on very successfully. A perfect recovery with no complications, because they were on top of his progress at all times. They have a great quality: from the start they were very honest and close. I can only be deeply grateful; we went to buy time and thanks to them my husband got his life back.
E
7 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent is a brilliant surgeon and a very approachable and warm doctor, whose manner reveals all the qualities that make him a great person and professional: perseverance, innate curiosity and a desire to learn, humility, sincerity and empathy. Going through an operation is undoubtedly an intense experience, physically and emotionally, in which anxieties arise and you feel very vulnerable. All of that is normal, and as his former patient I can say that his care and professionalism throughout the process were absolutely exceptional. I felt very supported by him, with the confidence of knowing I was in the best hands. I will always be grateful to him. Moltes gràcies Dr. Torrent!
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