Prognostic significance of the number of metastatic lymph nodes in early cervical cancer: a retrospective study

Purpose of Investigation: To determine the significance of positive pelvic lymph node (PLN) metastasis for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with early cervical cancer alone and in combination with known poor prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of 245 patients with Stage 1A-IIA cervical cancer with radical hysterectomy from 1998-2014. Age, FIGO (International Federation of Gyneacology and Obstetrics) Stage, histologic type, tumor size, stromal invasion depth, PLN metastasis, metastatic PLN numbers, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), parametrial invasion, and vaginal resection margin status were collected. PFS and OS were evaluated in accordance with each parameter. Results: Tumor size, LVSI, and metastatic PLN numbers were independently associated with PFS. The metastatic PLN number was associated with both PFS and OS and was an important factor for poor prognosis. Conclusion: These findings may contribute to PFS and OS assessment and treatment modality decisions.

Uterine cervical neoplasms; Prognosis; Radical hysterectomy; Metastatic lymph nodes; Lymph node status

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