THE RESULTS OF TREATMENT OF 4389 CASES OF PRECLINICAL CERVICAL SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA

Summary The follow-up data of 4389 treated cases of preclinical squamous carcinoma of the cervix is presented. After 5 years of follow-up 1.86 per cent of patients with carcinoma in situ had developed further disease and after ten years 8.2 percent had developed further disease. These rates indicate the need for prolonged and careful follow-up. Hysterectomy does not mean the end of follow-up as there appears to be a significant risk of developing recurrent disease or new foci of disease in the vaginal vault after hysterectomy. Carcinoma in situ with microinvasive foci appears to behave in much the same fashion as carcinoma in situ, so that similar treatment would appear justified. Occult invasive carcinoma, however, is frequently associated with lymphatic infiltration and has a five-year mortality rate of 6.5 per cent. These patients have a greatly increased risk of development of further disease and require more extensive original treatment as well as careful and continued follow-up.