The surgical management of invasive cancer of the cervix in pregnancy.

Overview

During a 13 year period ending in July, 1974, 42 obstetric patients with a diagnosis of invasive carcinoma of the cervix were seen. Nine patients were treated with primary radiation therapy; 33 patients were treated with primary surgery. Total hysterectomy with partial vaginectomy was performed in seven patients with Stage I-A, and extensive abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in 26 patients (14 with Stage I-A, nine with Stage I-B, and three with Stage II-A). Thirty-eight patients are alive and well from three months to 13 years following treatment. Extensive abdominal hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy can be done in selected obstetric patients with invasive carcinoma of the cervix with an acceptable morbidity and cure rate. Normal ovaries left in place will continue to function normally. Seven patients with a conization diagnosis of Stage I-A had a planned delay in definitive treatment until delivery at term.