The role of ultrasound in the management of cervical carcinoma

Thirty-five cases of carcinoma of the cervix were examined ultrasonographically in order to assess the role of ultrasound in the management thereof. The method is not sufficiently reliable to detect spread beyond the cervix, but does provide useful information regarding pelvic anatomy and the spatial relationships of the cervix. It can be advantageously applied in the planning of therapy and its use in the day-to-day management of such cases is recommended. The present radiotherapy technique allows the prescence of a Foley catheter in the vagina and a distended bladder to be reproduced during the ultrasonic scanning. Accurate anatomical information is very important as regards the extent and spread of the tumor, especially in view of the fact that iridium-191 is used over a very short period of time