[Prognostic significance of lymph node metastases in operable cervix cancer of categories T1 and T2].

In a retrospective long term study the tumorbiological importance of metastases in lymph-nodes of cervix cancer have been examined. The base of this presentation consists of a follow up study of 855 patients suffering from cervix cancer (stage I 557 pat., stage II 298 pat.) in relation to lymph-node-metastases. Metastases in 9,9% in stage I and in 18,4% in stage II could been proved histologically. The 5-year-survival-rate decreased in stage Ib from 89 (T1 No Mo) to 59% (T1 Ni Mo) and in stage II respectively (T2a No Mo) from 73 to 27% (T2a Ni Mo) and from 89 (T2b Ni Mo) to 52% (T2b Ni Mo). About 59% of relapses appeared in the treated region of the pelvis. In cases of adenomatous and dedifferentiated cancer 4% more regional metastases could be found than in squamous cell cancers. By means of post-operative irradiation (especially telecobalt-therapy) the relapse-free interval could be prolonged about one to two years. Recently tumourbiological knowledge is involved in the discussion. The appearance of lymph-node metastases represents the worst prognostic feature for the cure and the life of the patient suffering from cervical cancer.