Incidence of pelvic malignancies following irradiation for benign gynecologic conditions.

Results are reported from a survey on the incidence of pelvic malignancies in a group of 469 cases of benign gynecologic conditions irradiated by x rays or radium. The main group of patients was either menopausal or postmenopausal. Fourteen per cent were below the age of 40 and 4% were past the age of 55. It is pointed out that in selecting the method of treatment of benign gynecological conditions, morbidity and mortality of surgical procedures must be weighed against radiation therapy. The mortality from anesthesia and surgery is as high as that of late carcinogenesis. The complications of benign conditions, though not lethal, can be debilitating and distressing and are difficult to weigh against the morbidity associated with treatment. The total number of cases of malignancy following irradiation was 16, of which 12 were pelvic and 4 were extrapelvic in location, Brief case summaries are presented for the pelvic malignancies. No correlations were found between the incidence of these diverse tumors, the age of the patient, or type of radiation employed. The time interval before the onset of late cancer ranged from 4 to 15 years, with the average being 8 years. It is concluded that conservative policies shouldmore » be used in the use of radiation therapy for the treatment of benign gynecologic conditions. (C.H.)« less