The clinical value of lymphography in cervical cancer, FIGO-stage Ib-IIa

We report the limited value of lymphography in detecting lymphnode-metastases in 54 patients with operable cervical cancer, FIGO-stage Ib-IIa. A low predictive value of the positive lymphogram and low sensitivity of lymphography were found. This was not affected by the use of strict criteria in assessing the lymphograms. Analysis of the sensitivity of lymphography showed poor ability of the radiologist in localising a metastasis in a patient. High accuracy of lymphography and high specificity were found relatively easy to achieve. They are of minor clinical importance. Only 29 percent of patients with proved lymphnode-metastases had lymphographical evidence at the site of these metastases. It was decided not to continue the routine use of lymphography in this group of patients.