Lymphoedema
If you have lymph nodes in your groin removed this can sometimes disrupt your lymphatic system.
One of the functions of the lymphatic system is to drain away excess fluid from the tissue of your body, so this disruption can lead to a build-up of fluid in the tissue.
This in turn can cause swelling of certain body parts; usually the arms and legs. This condition is known as lymphoedema.
There are exercises and massage techniques you can be taught that can help reduce the swelling. Wearing specially designed bandages and compression garments can also help.
Read more about the treatment of lymphoedema.
Emotional impact
The emotional impact of living with vulval cancer can be significant. Many people report experiencing a kind of roller-coaster effect.
For example, you may feel very down at receiving a diagnosis, feel very up when you get confirmation that the cancer has been removed from your body and then feel very down again as you try to come to terms with the after-effects of surgery.
This type of emotional disruption can sometimes trigger feelings of depression. Signs that you may be depressed include:
- During the past month you have been bothered by feeling down or hopeless.
- You no longer take pleasure in things you enjoy.
If you think you may be depressed, contact your GP for advice. There are a range of relatively successful treatment for depression such as antidepressant medication and talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy.
Read more about depression and coping with cancer.
Due to its rarity there are no dedicated charities and support groups for women with vulval cancer but you may find it useful to contact one of the main cancer charities such as:
