Surveillance after treatment for cervical cancer patients: Survey of practice among Thai gynecologic oncologists

Abstract

© Journal of The Medical Association of Thailand Objective: To elucidate the current surveillance practice of Thai gynecologic oncologists for cervical cancer survivors. Materials and Methods: The present study was a part of a national survey of the Thai Gynecologic Cancer Society on gynecologic cancer management practice among Thai gynecologic oncologists. The questionnaire included various aspects of gynecologic cancer management. The responses via an electronic online from August to October, 2019 were collected. Data on surveillance practice for cervical cancer patients were abstracted. Results: Of 170 gynecologic oncologists, 71.2% reported more than 10 years of post-treatment surveillance for their cervical cancer patients. Only 20% of the respondents performed only physical examination whereas the majority also had cervical/vaginal cytologic testing in every patient (91.8%) or one or more of imaging study to aid in the diagnosis of recurrence (80%). The imaging study included chest x-ray (71.8%), CT whole abdomen (37.1%), and PET-CT (1.8%). No differences in surveillance practice among the respondents' hospital features and duration of practice. Conclusion: Most Thai gynecologic oncologists used clinical examination with cervical/vaginal cytology for surveillance on cervical cancer survivors. The majority also requested a chest x-ray and less with a CT scan of the whole abdomen. Working features had no impact on surveillance practice.