Bony metastases from carcinoma of cervix. Occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment

Fifty-five patients treated for cervical carcinoma developed bony metastases between January 1, 1961 and December 31, 1973. Roentgenograms were diagnostic in all but 2 of the patients. In 15 patients, a combination of radioactive scans and roentgenograms was used to establish the diagnosis. The most common mechanism of bony involvement from carcinoma of the cervix was extension of the neoplasm from para-aortic nodes, with involvement of the adjacent vertebral bodies. The earliest metastases were discovered at the time of the primary diagnosis. Thirteen years was the longest interval from the primary diagnosis until the discovery of bony metastases. Sixty-nine percent of the patients were diagnosed within 30 months. Ninety-six percent of the patients died within 18 months. Seventy-six percent of the patients received some form of therapy for their metastases. Thirty-six of these patients were treated with radiation therapy. Four of these patients received complete relief of symptoms, 24 some relief, and 8 patients received no relief.