Evaluation of conventional diagnostic tests for detection of recurrent carcinoma of the cervix

The use of routine diagnostic tests to evaluate patients periodically after treatment for carcinoma of the cervix has been reviewed. Of 169 patients treated at Brooke Army Medical Center for carcinoma of the cervix, 73 were evaluated after their treatment by a group of six diagnostic tests referred to collectively as an oncologic survey. The survey consisted of an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), chest roentgenogram, barium enema, cystoscopy, proctoscopy, and bone scan. Although 16 patients developed recurrent tumor, the oncologic survey detected only three recurrences that had not already been suspected by physical examination. Only the IVP and chest roentgenogram were of sufficient benefit to suggest their routine use for the detection of recurrent cancer. The other tests included in the oncologic survey were not beneficial when used routinely and should be reserved to evaluate patients otherwise suspected of recurrent cancer.