Assessment of routine surveillance of patients after primary treatment for cervical cancer in stage I. and II.: retrospective analysis

Czech version

Authors: E. Lajtman; M. Mlynček; P. Uharček; M. Matejka; M. Urban
Authors‘ workplace: Gynekologicko-pôrodnícka klinika FN Nitra a Univerzita Konštantína Filozofa Nitra, prednosta prof. MUDr. M. Mlynček, CSc.
Published in: Ceska Gynekol 2010; 75(2): 135-140

Overview

Objective:
Evaluate the monitoring and diagnosis of recurrence after primary treatment for cervical cancer.

Design:
Retrospective analysis.

Setting:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Hospital and Constantine the Philosopher University Nitra.

Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 199 patients who have undergone surgical treatment for cervical cancer between 2000 and 2008 at the Faculty Hospital Nitra and they received chemo-radioterapy after evaluation of risk factors. Monitoring after primary treatment consisted of general physical examination, gynecological examination, vaginal and abdominal ultrasonography, chest X‑ray and determining the level of SCCA. The examinations were performed by gynecologist and clinical oncologist. We compared the survival of patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic recurrences.

Results:
The recurrence after 6 months post primary therapy were identified in 17 cases.

At the time recurrence diagnosis 3 patients were asymptomatic and 14 were symptomatic. Recurrences all 3 asymptomatic patients were detected during regular examinations. Asymptomatic and symptomatic patients had similar survival.

Conclusion:
Regular monitoring of patients after primary treatment of cervical cancer in the rigid intervals and diagnosis of recurrence in the asymptomatic stage does not improve survival compared with symptomatic patients. It is necessary to re-evaluate the algorithm of follow-up not only in terms of survival but also in terms of economic consequences.

Key words:
cervical cancer, follow-up, recurrence.

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