Optimal surgery and diagnostic approach of stage IA2 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

Background: Most patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IA2 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, opt for radical surgery at present. Objective: To review surgical and diagnostic approaches in such patients. Study design: Our patient population consisted of 394 patients with a diagnosis of stage I squamous cell cervical carcinoma (with depth of stromal invasion 10 mm or less) according to the 1995 FIGO definition. Biopsy and surgical specimen slides were reassessed retrospectively in all cases. The findings of T2-weighted MR imaging were available from the individual medical charts. Results: None of the patients with stromal invasion of 5 mm depth or less showed pelvic lymph node metastasis. However, metastasis to the parametrial connective tissue was found in one case with stage IA1 exhibiting marked lymph-vascular space involvement. There were no deaths due to disease in cases with stromal invasion of 5 mm depth or less. The lesions were detected in all 20 cases exhibiting stromal invasion of greater than 5 mm in depth. In contrast, the lesions were not detected with T2 imaging in four of six cases (67%) with stage IA2. Conclusion: Simple or modified radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection may be sufficient for cases of stage IA2 cervical squamous cell carcinoma where lymph-vascular space involvement is absent. T2-weighted MR imaging with no detectable tumor would prove beneficial in the selection of these patients. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.