[Micro-invasive carcinoma of the cervix uteri]

Micro-invasive carcinomas of the cervix (Stage Ia of the IFGO) are characterized by an absence of clinical signs. Among the prognostic criteria are the depth of the invasion (5 mm for the IFGO, 3 mm for us), the superficial extension (7 mm in the largest diameter) and the possible presence of lymphatic or vascular emboli in the connective tissue of the cervix. Only semi-successive secretions (every 300 microns) enable to accurately define these lesions. It is then possible to individualize two types of micro-invasive carcinoma. Group A (less than 3 mm deep, less than 7 mm on the surface and without emboli) may be treated by conization if the resection line is in healthy tissue and the operative specimen studied in semi-successive sections. In the other cases (group B) a Wertheim procedure with lymphadenectomy is indicated.