Current Concepts of Initial Treatment for Invasive Cancer of the Cervix

Abstract

Both surgical treatment and irradiation therapy have a place in the initial treatment of patients with invasive cervical cancer. The methods are not mutually exclusive or competitive. Ideally surgery should be considered when radiation is likely to fail, and radiation when surgery is contraindicated. The best guide to selection of treatment at present is an unbiased and constant awareness of the causes of failure.