Objective:

To demonstrate the histopathological basis of individually tailored less radical surgery concept in patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB cervical cancer.

Material and Methods:

The study was performed in the gynaecologic oncology department of Başkent School of Medicine Hospital, Ankara, Turkey between January 1st 2008 and January 1st 2009. Cardinal and uterosacral ligaments were serially sectioned in an alternative approach, and were examined by a senior gynaecologic pathologist. Clinical and pathological features and findings in sections of uterine ligaments were recorded. Study data were analysed using the SPSS 17.0 program.

Results:

Thirty-two out of 38 cases had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (84.2 %), and six had non-squamous cell tumours (15.8%). Four cases had microscopic (10.5 %) and one case had macroscopic (2.6 %) tumour extension in cardinal ligaments. Mean tumour-free cardinal ligament length was 16.8±7.39 mm. Presence of tumour invasion in cardinal ligaments correlated significantly with pelvic lymph node metastasis (p=0.02). No isolated tumour deposits were found in any of the cases in serial sections of the cardinal or uterosacral ligaments.

Conclusion:

This research was designed as a preliminary study. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal resection margins of the uterine ligaments in surgically treated stage IB cervical cancer. With continuing research and the development of newer surgical techniques, patients’ quality of life will be optimised accordingly.

Keywords: Cervical cancer, radical hysterectomy, parametrectomy, histopathology