Cervical cancer in pregnant women: laparoscopic evaluation before delaying treatment.
BACKGROUND
Cervical carcinoma diagnosed during pregnancy generates conflicting concerns between control of malignancy and continuation of pregnancy.


METHODS
An invasive cervical carcinoma FIGO Stage IB2 was diagnosed in a 33-year-old primigravida during the first trimester of pregnancy. Because the patient strongly desired to preserve her pregnancy, laparoscopic lymphadenectomy was performed at 16 weeks of gestation to determine the extension of disease. Negative lymph node status was found and the patient was counseled about the possibility of proceeding until adequate fetal maturity had been achieved. An elective cesarean section and radical hysterectomy were performed at 36 weeks, followed by postoperative chemoradiation therapy. The clinical and Pap smear follow-up remain normal after four years.


CONCLUSIONS
Pregnant women diagnosed with early stage cervical carcinoma should receive a complete evaluation including lymphadenectomy before considering delayed therapy. This strategy seems to be an acceptable option in well-defined conditions, and offers these patients the possibility of maternity.
Stan
C
C
Gynecologic Oncology and Senology Service, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland.
Megevand
E
E
Irion
O
O
Wang
C
C
Bruchim
I
I
Petignat
P
P
D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D010535:Laparoscopy; D050498:Live Birth; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D011247:Pregnancy; D011252:Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery