This collection of papers on different aspects of gynaecological oncology is taken from the proceedings of the Second International Conference on Gynaecological Cancer held in Edinburgh in Sep­ tember 1983. An attempt has been made to include topical material of interest and importance to all gynaecologists, both with and without specific oncological experience, and it is confidently expected that radiotherapists and general surgeons will also find much of value within these pages. Much of the material has been updated prior to its transfer to the printers, and authors have tried where possible to provide workable rather than tiresomely comprehensive bibliographies. Our sincerest thanks are directed to our other colleagues on the Organising Committee, namely Professors J. Carmichael, W. Duncan and J. F. Smyth and Doctors 1. Duncan, J. R. B. Livingstone, R. H. Nalick, T. J. O'Brien and E. Petrilli for their invaluable assistance on both sides of the Atlantic with the organisation ofthe above conference, to Dr. R. H. Kerr-Wilson for his help with, and sometimes translation of, the original proofs, and to our constantly overworked and uncomplaining secretaries Joann Little and Mary Hall.