Prognostic Value of Extracapsular Extension of Pelvic Lymph Node Metastases in Cercinoma of the Cervix Uteri

Objectives: Pelvic lymph node involvement is a well recognised prognostic factor in cervical carcinoma (CX). Limited knowledge exists about extracapsular spread (ECS) of the metastases.

Methods: 256 CX (FIGO stage IB1 to IIB) with pelvic lymph node involvement were evaluated regarding the occurrence of extranodal spread of the metastatic deposits outside the lymph node capsule (ECS), determined on standardized handled lymphadenectomy specimens, regarding their prognostic impact during a median follow-up time of 62 months (95%-CI 51–73 months).

Results: ECS was seen in 30.9% (79/256) of the cases.

Occurrence of ECS showed a significant correlation to advanced stage disease (p=0.024), the number of involved nodes (p<0.001) and the size of metastatic deposits (p<0.01). The 5-year recurrence free survival rate in patients with ECS was significant lower, compared to patients without ECS (59.7% [95% CI: 46.3%–73.2%] versus 67.2% [95% CI: 58.9%–75.5%]; (p=0.04).

The 5-year overall survival rate was significant lower in patients with ECS (33.5% [95% CI: 20.6%–46.3%] vs. 60.5% [95% CI: 52.3%–68.6%]; p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, tumor stage, number of involved pelvic nodes, tumor differentiation and ECS were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions: Extracapsular spread (ECS) of pelvic lymph node metastases is of prognostic impact in cervical carcinomas. Revised FIGO/TNM classification system for pelvic lymph node disease is recommended: ECS 0=lymph node involvement without extranodal spread of the metastatic deposits and

ECS 1=lymph node involvement with extranodal spread of the metastatic deposits.

cervical carcinoma - pelvic lymph nodes - metastases - metastatic disease - extracapsular spread