Clinical significance of the pattern-based classification in endocervical adenocarcinoma, usual and variants

The Silva system is a pattern-based classification system that stratifies endocervical adenocarcinomas (AC) into 3 categories to assess the risk of lymph node (LN) metastasis. This study aimed to evaluate whether this novel risk stratification system is applicable to all endocervical AC, including usual and variant, and to suggest a suitable management plan for cervical AC.

We retrospectively retrieved consecutive pathology cases with a final diagnosis of endocervical AC treated via radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Specimens were classified by consensus according to the Silva system based on "pattern of invasion" as A, B, or C, further clinical/pathologic features were assessed according to pattern-based classification.

A total of 76 cases of invasive cervical AC were evaluated. Of these, 63 (82.9%) were categorized as usual-type endocervical AC and 13 (17.1%) as special types. Among those with usual and variants, all patients with pattern A tumor had no LN metastasis and did not develop recurrence. Likewise, multivariate analysis revealed that LN metastasis and pattern C or B tumors are significant independent predictors of disease-free survival (DFS). Although pattern A tumors had no LN metastasis, they also developed complications after surgery, similar to pattern B or C tumors.

Regardless of histologic subtypes, pattern A tumors had no LN metastasis and no recurrence. Thus, the Silva classification system can influence the clinical management of all types of endocervical AC. Conservative management is reasonable in all patients with endocervical AC with pattern A tumors.