Histopathologic prognostic factors in early stage cervical carcinoma

The pathologist makes extensive assessments in cases of early stage carcinoma of the cervix. The following parameters are known to affect prognosis: capillary-lymphatic space invasion, depth of invasion, size of gross tumor, histologic type, grade (in adenocarcinoma), involvement by tumor of pelvic or para-aortic lymph nodes, and lymphoid response and immune status. These findings, along with clinical stage, best predict tumor behavior. Other observations are under investigation to evaluate their usefulness.