Cervicovaginal cytology in the diagnosis of recurrent carcinoma of the cervix uteri.

The early detection of recurrent carcinoma of the cervix uteri following radiation is essential. This investigation was undertaken to determine the value of cervicovaginal cytologic screening in patients with biopsy proved recurrences. Fifty-six of the 110 patients with a known recurrence had changes on a Papanicolaou smear consistent with suspected or definite malignant cells. The frequency of these positive scrapings was independent of the original cell type, initial clinical staging and interval after completion of radiotherapy. Significantly more smears were positive if there was a central recurrence when compared with a peripheral and distant metastasis. Screening by frequent clinical examination and sampling of exfoliative cervicovaginal cells remain paramount after treatment of carcinoma of the cervix uteri.