Imiquimod cream (Aldara) for vulval melanoma in situ

I cannot help you, sorry.  Not had this treatment.  I hope someone will help you.

I used imiquimod (Bascellex not Aldara) and had a terrible time. Only applied a small thin amount but had burning pains, itching, very uncomfortable, swollen, red, flu symptoms, very tired couldn't stay awake. Then lumps appeared (didn't have them before cream), stopped cream twice (advised to take a break). Didnt complete the course. Went back to have the lumps checked had 2 biopsies then told it was vulval cancer. Maybe imiquimod caused the cancer or it was already there, who knows!

I was told I had VIN3 and imiquimod should clear it up, it didn't. I now have vulval cancer. 

Works for some women but not me. 

I hope it works for you. 

Thank you for replying.. sounds absolutely horrendous

I hope your op goes well and things improve soon for you

I have used imiquimod on a number of occasions over the past 5 years to treat extra mammary Paget’s disease of the vulva (usually for about 12-16 weeks, 2-3 times a week) I find it unpleasant but bearable in that it causes redness, swelling, itchiness and sometimes ulcers. Also a feeling like ants running around occasionally. I think that’s killing the cancer cells though. I don’t have any flu like symptoms. I put a very small amount on with a cotton bud to the area or areas I’m treating. I use ice packs overnight if needed. Shower off in the morning and use hydromol emollient. Then epimax moisturising cream or aquafor or Vagisil medicated cream with lidocaine. Everyone reacts a bit differently but I have found that because EMPD is a recurring, multi focal cancer, Imiquimod has kept it in check and contained and I have avoided repeated surgeries. 

Thanks for replying, I really appreciate it. There are so many different types of cancer, not heard of yours. So pleased it’s a successful treatment for you. Yes everyone reacts so differently don’t they. Take care and I hope you stay well going forwards. X

I have just read your whole story, you are clearly a super strong determined lady and I will keep all this in mind when I get started on the Aldara. I think you are right, I’m hoping when I start I’ll be armed with the right tools and medication to help me cope.. i will certainly be asking the questions based around your experience and have taken note of what other creams and pain relief helped you, thanks again.

When you say feeling like ants running around ? Do you feel like a sharp twinge like a nip? 

Ive only just started using the cream, on my second week, once ive applied it, I can feel a burning sensation , then ich like feeling,  after awhile a sharp twing or nip like feeling and crawly feeling too.

Yes, that’s a good description. Everyone reacts differently but when I first used it those were some of the feelings. It is very itchy and that’s when an ice pack helped. 

Thanks for your reply, I was worried it was the vin3 and not the cream attacking it. Hope for us all yet, to beat this awful disease. Xx