The pathology of cervical neoplasia

The World Health Organization classification has clarified the typing of cervical tumours. The category of early stromal invasion has been eliminated from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging scheme of cervical carcinoma. Stage lal is defined now as depth of invasion less than or equal to 3 mm; stage la2 is defined as depth of invasion between 3 and 5 mm in depth. The width should not exceed 7 mm. Small cell carcinoma has been better delineated. An increased incidence of human papillomavirus infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia has been observed in patients suffering from the effects of human immunodeficiency virus, in whom invasive cervical cancers run a more aggressive course. The better understanding of pseudomalignant lesions, that is, deep cervical glands, various metaplasias and inflammatory pseudo tumours, as well as some rare tumours, enables the surgical pathologist to make a more accurate diagnosis, resulting in better patient care.