How to judge whether cervical cancer tumor is not under control after radiotherapy

Tumor radiotherapy is a method of treating malignant tumors using radiation such as α, β, γ rays produced by radioisotopes and x-rays, electron beams, proton beams and other particle beams produced by various x-ray therapy machines or accelerators. Cervical cancer is relatively sensitive to radiotherapy, and patients with any stage of cervical cancer can choose radiotherapy.

Generally, at the end of radiotherapy for cervical cancer, the cervix has shrunk and is covered with a white membrane. The vaginal vault has disappeared and the upper segment is congested, edematous, and narrow. The area is easily bleeds, the uterus is not large, and the paracervix may soften. Some are fibrotic in the form of sheets or strips.

After completing the radiotherapy course, it is necessary to determine whether the tumor is under control so that the treatment method can be adjusted in time to achieve better treatment results. The possibility that the tumor is not under control should be considered when the following situations occur:

① Unsatisfactory cervical atrophy, with local necrosis, ulceration, nodules and hardness;

② Local foul-smelling discharge often indicates the presence of a tumor;

③ In some low-dose areas, there are infiltrative thickening, roughness, and nodules, such as the edge of the fornix and the vagina;

④ Parametrial softening is not obvious, but rather presents nodular changes;

⑤ Hydronephrosis occurs at the end of treatment or new lesions are found in or outside the treatment area during relevant examinations. When suspected uncontrolled lesions exist, whether to increase the dose depends on the patient's condition.

The first radiotherapy should be sufficient and appropriate. Failure of the first treatment will significantly reduce the chance of cure.