Cervical malignancies

Articles published between August 1989 and July 1990 related to squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix are reviewed. A discussion of new histopathologic findings is given along with current hormonal receptor studies. The host immunocompetence with an immunologic staging system is presented. Recent studies of the clinical application of the serum squamous cell antigen are reviewed. The finding of positive pelvic nodes at the time of a radical hysterectomy is investigated within literature review. The advantages and risks of radical surgery, radiation therapy, and combined treatments are presented with no clear conclusion being found. Advanced or recurrent cervical cancers may be treated with radiation, chemotherapy, or ultraradical surgery depending on the clinical setting. Early studies of combination therapies are given for these difficult situations.