The role of abdominal computed tomography in the assessment of patients with malignant tumours of the cervix and body of the uterus.

The value of abdominal computed tomography (CT) in patients with malignant tumours of the body of the uterus and of the cervix is discussed and its efficacy compared with lymphography combined with intravenous urography. There was good correlation between CT and lymphography in the diagnosis of the para-aortic lymphadenopathy and hydronephrosis. Hydronephrosis was the commonest abnormality and tended to be over-diagnosed on CT. Computed tomography conferred no advantage over lymphography in the diagnosis of paraaortic lymphadenopathy or hydronephrosis. Since there were more positive findings in patients undergoing CT at the time of relapse than at the time of initial diagnosis, if indicated at all, abdominal CT should be restricted to patients who have relapsed.