The value of cervical cytology in detecting recurrent squamous carcinoma of the cervix postradiotherapy.
Twenty-six patients with central recurrent squamous carcinoma of the cervix following radiotherapy were identified from hospital records, 22 of which had cervical smears available for review, and are described here. As a second part to this study the cervical cytology results for 1987 and 1988 were compared with the clinical findings and eventual outcome. From a total of 384 smears in 1987 and 1988 there were 11 correctly identifying recurrence. Two smears, however, were false positive and two false negative. The overall sensitivity was 85% with a specificity of 99.5%. In addition three microscopic, operable recurrences were identified by cytology. In experienced hands routine smear cytology postradiotherapy is a reliable and useful addition to surveillance.
Whitaker
S J
SJ
Department of Radiotherapy, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK.
Blake
P R
PR
Trott
P A
PA
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003581:Cytodiagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D014626:Vaginal Smears