[The status of computerized tomography in the diagnosis of primary cervix cancer]

172 patients with a primary cervical carcinoma have been examined using computerized axial tomography. CT-diagnosis was then analysed and compared with the results of the gynecological examination, cystoscopy, rectoscopy, lymphography, conventional radiological examination procedures and histology. CT is unsuitable for the primary diagnosis of cervical carcinoma and anyway unnecessary. In the case, where the carcinoma expands to the vagina, the diagnosis is quicker and more exact through inspection, palpation and biopsy rather than through CT. Moreover, to exclude a possible expansion of the carcinoma to the bladder and rectum, it is necessary that cystoscopy, rectoscopy as well as colon enema be performed. These examination procedures are in this case more effective than CT. Using CT, it is not feasible either to diagnose correctly the degree of infiltration of the parametria or to make definite predictions on the siting and operability. It is not necessary to use CT as a primary means of judging lymph node status, since other findings relevant to therapy (infiltration of the parametria, bladder, rectum) cannot be undertaken simultaneously with adequate safety. The use of CT in the diagnosis of the primary cervical carcinoma is therefore only of minimal importance.