Risk factors for parametrial invasion in early-stage cervical cancer: Toward less radical surgery

Radical hysterectomy with parametrectomy remains the standard treatment for early-stage cervical cancer but is associated with significant morbidity. Identifying patients at low risk for parametrial invasion is critical to support less invasive surgical strategies.

This retrospective study evaluated 177 patients with Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2018 stage IA-IIB cervical cancer who underwent type III radical hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy between 2001 and 2020. Clinical and pathological data were analyzed to identify predictors of parametrial invasion.

Parametrial invasion was observed in 40 patients (22.6%). These patients were significantly older (mean age 56.05±11.16 vs. 49.21±10.80 years, p=0.013), and they were more likely to be postmenopausal. Parametrial invasion was associated with larger tumor size (35.10±13.72 mm vs. 24.15±13.50 mm), greater depth of stromal invasion (>10 mm), lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), and lymph node metastases, (pelvic and paraaortic), all p<0.01. Bivariate logistic regression identified age ≥55 years [odds ratio (OR): 3.302 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.432-7.614, p=0.005], LVSI positivity [OR: 3.952 (95% CI: 1.641-9.518, p=0.002], and stromal invasion depth >10 mm [OR: 5.326 (95% CI: 2.157-13.153, p<0.001] as independent predictors of parametrial invasion.

Age ≥55, LVSI, and deep stromal invasion are significant independent risk factors for parametrial invasion. Careful evaluation of these parameters may guide the selection of patients suitable for less radical surgery, potentially reducing morbidity without compromising oncologic outcomes.