[Vulvar cancer. Bern university gynecologic clinic patients treated 1978 to 1987]

Between 1978 and 1987, 44 women with primary invasive carcinoma of the vulva were treated. The mean age of the patients was 69 years (24-91). The predominant histologic type was squamous cell carcinoma. Thirteen radical vulvectomies were performed. Various other vulvar operative procedures were performed on 27 cases and were followed up with or without radiation therapy. The 5-year survival rate was 80% in stage T1 patients, 58% in T2 and 40% in T3. Patients with negative lymph nodes had a survival rate of 79% after 5 years and those with positive nodes a survival rate of 40%. A modified radical vulvectomy was performed: to the Pary-Jones incision we use an additional groin incision. The advantage is better wound healing as compared to Way's technique.