17 research outputs found
Postâirradiation cytology of cervical cancer patients
The accuracy of cervicovaginal cytology following radiotherapy for cervical cancer is compromised by the anatomical and tissue changes resulting from irradiation. Collection of representative samples may be more difficult, and benign radiation changes, postâirradiation dysplasia, and the frequent occurrence of repair cells and active stromal cells in postâirradiation smears may cause diagnostic problems. Nevertheless, cytology is a valuable tool for the detection of locally recurrent cervical cancer. It is simple and economical to perform at the time of clinical followâup examination, and may detect occult tumour recurrence. Awareness of the cellular changes resulting from irradiation, and the varied composition of postâirradiation smears may lead to more accurate interpretation of the cytological findings.</p