RADIATION THERAPY OF UTERINE MYOMA

Abstract

Some myomatous uteri cause no trouble and require no treatment. When there is undue bleeding, it may often be controlled by medication or by medication plus curettage. In cases which require more radical measures surgical removal is the treatment of choice in younger women and is also necessary for some myomas in older women. However, the use of radiation therapy in certain selected cases of the latter group has taken care of the myoma in many instances, without subjecting the patient to the risks of the major surgical operation of hysterectomy. This study of our experiences in handling selected cases of myoma by radiation therapy (with curettage to exclude cancer and conization to remove chronic cervicitis) was undertaken to determine definitely the immediate and remote results of such treatment and to ascertain by a critical survey of results thus far attained if any modifications of our treatment plans were indicated.