Although there may be severe pain in the groin area after the procedure, for a number of weeks, sexual function is generally still possible but limited.

A radical vulvectomy is the same with regard to complete or partial, however, includes removal of skin and deep subcutaneous tissue.

An inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy may be performed along with a radical vulvectomy (whether partial or complete) on one or both sides if spread of a cancer is suspected.

The objective of the first is the preservation of the cosmetic and functional integrity of the vulva in younger and sexually active patients, in whom a steady increase in the incidence of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia has been observed in the last decade.[when?]

"Modified radical vulvectomy" involves the removal of vulva containing cancer and some of the normal tissue around it.