Vulvar cancer recurrence is common, with a 35% cumulative incidence of first recurrence at 10 years, predominantly isolated local recurrences.
Overall survival declines markedly after first and second recurrences, but remains relatively higher following isolated local recurrences.
Symptom awareness is critical; predefined symptoms such as itching and pain precede the majority of recurrences and vary by recurrence location.
Surgery significantly improves survival even in locally advanced vulvar cancer, with sentinel lymph node biopsy feasibility established for large tumors despite higher recurrence in certain subgroups.
