Computed tomography: does it really improve the treatment of cervical carcinoma?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if computed tomography in cervical cancer staging resulted in treatment modifications leading to improved survival. Medical records of 246 consecutive women treated over a 3-year period for primary cervical cancer were reviewed. Frequency of recurrence was the outcome measure of interest and subjected to chi 2 analysis. Only eight patients had improved survival from treatment modifications based on computed tomography findings. Eight patients underwent additional surgical procedures because of computed tomography findings that proved to be erroneous. Considering the high cost and limited benefit, computed tomography for cervical cancer staging is not recommended.