Fourteen cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva treated preoperatively by use of cobalt-60 irradiation directed to the vulva and inguinal areas are reviewed. Toral dose varied from 3,600 to 5,500 rads according to reaction and tolerance. No treatments had to be interrupted due to excessive radiation effects. Surgical procedures were performed six weeks after irradiation. Histologic investigation of the surgical specimen showed no sign of tumor in five cases, almost complete regression in three, and a substantial reduction of the lesion in the remainder of the cases. In situ lesions surrounding the invasive tumors were cleared in three cases. Lymph node involvement was found in only two patients, one of whom did not receive preoperative radiation to in inguinal areas. Only one local recurrence was encountered and this was in the abdominal skin outside of the irradiated area. The healing process does not seem to be impaired after radiation treatment in spite of the fact that in many patients a very extensive type of surgical procedure was carried out.