Post-treatment clinical status of patients with cervical cancer.

Abstract

e17007 Background: Extended hysterectomy with fixation of preserved ovaries to the round ligaments of the uterus and subsequent transposition of the gonads from the irradiation area have already become a routine procedure in the treatment of cervical cancer in young women in order to avoid castration syndrome. The aim of the study was to analyze clinical characteristics of patients with cervical cancer 10 years after treatment. Methods: Clinical and hormonal status of 216 patients with stage Ib cervical cancer after complex treatment was studied. The majority of women (160 patients, 74%) remained fertile at the time of the study, and 56 patients (26%) were peri- and postmenopausal (from 46-55 years). The presence or absence of climacteric symptoms was assessed by a questionnaire; functional ovarian insufficiency (FNU) was determined as mild, moderate, and severe. Plasma levels of steroid and gonadotropic hormones were evaluated by radioimmunoassay. Results: Analysis of menopausal complaints according to questionnaires showed that the symptoms increased with the age of patients. Only 8 patients of the reproductive age reported hot flashes (Table 1). In this group of patients, levels of sex and gonadotropic hormones were common for this age. Patients aged 45-50 years reported also dry skin and mucous membranes, dyspareunia and dysuric disorders, which indicated perimenopause. And in postmenopause, urogenital disorders were very persistent. This group included patients treated 6 and 10 years ago. Conclusions: Thus, the function of preserved ovaries "faded away" independently according to the age, providing a smooth transition to menopause and optimal medical and social rehabilitation of patients.[Table: see text]