Prognostic Significance of Age in Stage I Carcinoma or the Cervix

Abstract

Controversy exists as to the influence of age on the prognosis of patients with carcinoma of the cervix. A series of patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, who were treated at a single institution with uniform radiation techniques or radical surgery are presented. A multifactorial analysis showed that an age of above or below 40 yr was not of prognostic significance after adjusting for race, substage and treatment. Equal 5-yr survival was obtained by radiation therapy or radical surgery. Complications in patients treated with radiation therapy appeared to be more serious than those in the surgical group. Theoretical reasons are advanced to favor surgical management in younger patients.