Abstract
Objective: To summarize new data which can help in decision on tailoring treatment of cervical precancerosis. Design: Review article.
Setting: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Hospital Na Bulovce in Prague; Oncogynaecological Center, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague. Results: Precancerous lesions of the cervix are represented by squamous cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN) and glandular adenocarcinomas in situ (AIS).
The usual treatment of cervical precancerosis is conisation. However, some complications, particularly subsequent adverse pregnancy outcomes, follow all surgical treatments of cervix.
The treatment could be postponed in women who wish to conceive and who suffer from CIN with a low risk of transformation to invasive cancer. The presence of modifying factors can help to stratify CIN lesions according to their malignant potential.
The determination of detected HPV genotypes may help in this decision, because the fate of CIN 2/3 depends on the genotype of associated HPV infection. Cervical lesions associated with HPV 16, 18 or 45 are at a much higher risk of rapid progression to invasive cancers than lesions associated with other HR HPV genotypes.
Surgical treatment of CIN 2/3 in women with a desire for future child-bearing can be postponed in cases non-associated with HPV 16, 18 and 45, on a case by case basis. Attempts are made to improve evaluation of the lesions by using biological and molecular markers, especially p16INK4a staining.
Younger age, ongoing pregnancy, favourable colposcopic findings, negative p16INK4a staining and immunocompetency are independent factors supporting the choice of conservative management. Adenocarcinoma in situ management substantially differs from the management of CIN.