Cervical Cancer

Few subjects in gynecology, let alone in medicine in general, have provoked such inter- est or study as cervical cancer. Although the wealth of monographs and books publish- ed on the subject would seem to obviate the need for more, the great advances made in the medical sciences and in gynecological experience and techniques in recent years call for, if not require, a new book on cervical cancer to bring together the latest ideas and trends in its methods of study, diagnosis, and treatment. Although precancerous lesions have become more common, the number of women developing invasive cervical carcinomas has not increased, owing in part to programs of patient education, in part to screening examinations sponsored by the government. The gynecologist is now able to detect with well-tried and proved techniques precan- cerous states of the cervix, and to treat these effectively before they become invasive cancer. Accordingly, recent interests in cervical cancer have shifted from the classic descrip- tion of invasive carcinoma to newer studies of cause, diagnosis, therapy, and terminol- ogy of its precursors. As the reader will learn, epidemiological studies as guides for the future account for, and justifiably so, an important part of this book. New knowledge about changes in the morphology of cervical carcinoma confirms its dependency on hormonal stimulation. Furthermore, modem experiences serve to explain which therapy is best. Overlapping of concepts and opinions between some chapters could not be avoided.