Is there any value in the long term follow up of women treated for endometrial cancer?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical benefit of routine follow up of women after treatment for endometrial adenocarcinoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective case analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

All cases diagnosed and treated for endometrial adenocarcinoma in Tayside, Scotland during 1982 to 1984 inclusive.

METHODS

Case-note and cancer registration document review.

RESULTS

Of 102 patients, 97 had complete follow up for 10 years or until death. Recurrent disease was diagnosed in 17 women, only six of whom were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. There was no difference in survival between cases with symptomatic and asymptomatic recurrences. No recurrences were diagnosed more than six years after initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of asymptomatic recurrent endometrial carcinoma was not associated with improved long term survival. This small study showed no evidence of improved survival from the current practice of routine clinical review following treatment for endometrial adenocarcinoma. The effect of follow up on patient anxiety remains to be assessed.