Patients’ experiences of vulvar cancer diagnosis and treatment: results from a consumer-guided qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Despite increased attention for the use of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) for the management of vulvar cancer as a less invasive technique compared with lymph node dissection (LND), patient views on this technique are unknown. This study explored patients’ experiences of being diagnosed and treated for vulvar cancer and to enhance our understanding of the patient view of SNB.Methods: Ten women who had received surgery (with or without lymph node removal) for vulvar cancer in the previous five years participated in a semi-structured qualitative interview in 2022. A consumer-led research group guided thematic analysis of the data.Results: Ten women were interviewed ranging in age (41–82 years). Treatment included either lymph node removal during initial surgery (n = 4), or following a routine scan identifying a change (n = 2); four vulvar cancer patients were being monitored with ultrasound at the time of the interview. Five main themes were identified: (1) difficult diagnostic experiences; (2) lack of support and information; (3) challenges with treatment decision-making; (4) patients’ perspectives of LND and SNB with monitoring; (5) trauma of treatment.Conclusions: SNB seems acceptable to patients and potentially offers a less invasive alternative to standard treatment, which should be further investigated.

Keywords

• Consumer involvement
• qualitative research
• sentinel lymph node
• treatment preferences
• vulvar cancer