Urinary Dysfunction Assessment in Long-Term Survivors of Carcinoma Cervix Using LENT SOMA Scale: An Indian Study Addressing Quality of Life Issues

Background: Carcinoma cervix is the second most common type of cancer in the world. With the increasingproportion of women surviving carcinoma of the cervix, quality of life has been an important clinical issue. Sincethere are very few studies from India, this study is to assess urinary dysfunction issues in patients of carcinoma cervixtreated with multimodality therapy using the LENT SOMA scores. Methods: The study was prospective and patientstreated between 1995 - 2007 on follow up were included in this study after ethical clearance. A total of 85 patientswere accrued comprising 6 stage IB, 6 stage II A, 25 stage II B, 2 stage IIIA, 45 stage III B and 1 stage IV A disease.Sixty-six patients were treated with radiotherapy in which 46 patients received chemoradiotherapy and 19 had surgeryprior to post-operative radiotherapy. The mean age was 47.81 years with a range of 25-68 years. Completion of LENTSOMA scale and Statistical analysis was done. Results: Mean score for BU (Bladder/Urethra) was highest (0.0758) infifth year of treatment whereas UK (Ureter/Kidney score was highest (0.0408) after 4 years. Bladder score was more in60-69 years of age and in stage IIIB patients of cervical cancers. Bladder morbidity was more in patients who receivedchemoradiotherapy and in patients who received radiotherapy with boost where Bladder and Urethra morbidity was morein patients who were treated with Extended Field radiation. Conclusions: The LENT SOMA system was acceptableand feasible to use and gave us an insight into the morbidity in our patients and to develop effective management plansto reduce the post treatment symptoms and improve quality of life.