Modern concept of rehabilitation of patients with vulvar cancer: the main trends and future ways of development

Abstract

Vulvar cancer (VC) is a relatively uncommon malignant neoplasm of the female genital system. However, the prevalence of human papillomavirus infection in women of reproductive age has been increasing, elevating the risk of this oncopathology. The treatment of VC, like many other malignant tumors, involves radical approaches that have a profound impact on various aspects of a woman's life. Surgical intervention significantly alters the anatomy of the external genitalia, leading to serious psycho-emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, and body image dissatisfaction. Additionally, common adverse effects of treatment include lower extremity lymphedema, sexual dysfunction, and social maladjustment, all of which contribute to a reduced overall quality of life (QoL). To address these complications and enhance the QoL for patients following radical surgical treatment of VC, it is essential to timely introduce comprehensive personalized rehabilitation into the management strategy.