MICROINVASIVE CARCINOMA OF THE CERVIX

There is no current international consensus on the classification of microcarcinomas. There is still controversy over the depth of the stroma invasion and lymph node invasion as well as on confluence of invasive spread. The FIGO classification has been used since 1985 in which microinvasive carcinomas are considered as infraclinical cancers forming a group classed as stage la and divided into subgroups: 1(n1) = early invasion of the stroma < 1 mm in depth; 1(n2) = microinvasive carcinoma with invasion < 5 mm and width < 7 mm. Two important pratical points must be added to this classification: demonstration of emboli via lymphatic or blood stream dissemination. Microinvasive carcinoma is demonstrated on conization specimens obtained after guided biopsy revealed intraepithelial neoplasia. Treatment can be standardized on the basis of the pathology report on the conization specimen.