Modulation of surgery in early invasive cervical cancer

In modern oncology increasing attention is given to patient quality of life issues. Reduction of morbidity and preservation of reproductive organs are aspects of major concern for surgeons treating women affected by gynecologic tumors. To achieve these goals both improvements of surgical technique and peri-operative management, but mainly a better individualization of therapy are needed. This requires: (1) advanced knowledge of the natural history of disease, (2) accurate pathological evaluation, (3) innovative diagnostic tools. In the last decades remarkable progresses have been made in these fields making modulation of surgery a concrete option in the treatment of early invasive cervical cancer. Currently, tumor volume measurements by step serial section of cone specimen (stage IA(2) and small volume IB(1)), sentinel nodal group lymphadenectomy and sentinel node biopsy (stage IB(1)) represent the best techniques available for assessing the risk of extracervical spread of disease allowing tailoring of patient management to optimize the patients outcome and quality of life.