Radiation Therapy or Surgery in Treating Patients With Previously Untreated Vulva Cancer With Positive Groin Lymph Nodes

Phase III Radiation Therapy vs Pelvic Node Resection for Previously Untreated Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva With Positive Groin Nodes

RATIONALE: Patient abstract not available

PURPOSE: Patient abstract not available

OBJECTIVES: I. Compare the efficacy of pelvic node resection vs. bilateral groin and pelvic node irradiation for invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva in patients having positive groin nodes.

OUTLINE: Randomized study. Arm I: Surgery. Deep pelvic node dissection on sides containing positive nodes only. Arm II: Radiotherapy. Megavoltage (1 MeV or greater) to bilateral groin and pelvic nodes.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: Anticipated annual accrual is approximately 200 patients, with an active phase estimated at 2.5-3 years. Protocol closed July 1984.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: See General Eligibility Criteria

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: See General Eligibility Criteria