Stage IB carcinoma of the cervix with lymph node metastases

From January 1, 1946, through January 1, 1986, at the University of Michigan, 60 patients were treated with Stage IB (FIGO) carcinoma of the cervix with lymph node metastases. Clinical variables were examined with regard to long-term survival. Prognostically significant variables were (1) highest level of lymph node involvement and (2) tumor histology. Patients with common iliac or periaortic node involvement had an actuarial survival at 5 years of 14%; 5-year survival for patients with only pelvic node involvement (external iliac, hypogastric, or obturator) was 68%. Patients with adenocarcinoma or adenosquamous histology had an actuarial survival at 5 years of 16%; 5-year survival for patient with squamous cell carcinoma was 71%. Overall survival for all patients with lymph node involvement was 61%. For patients undergoing radical hysterectomy as primary treatment, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy did not significantly improve survival.