Morphological parameters associated with perineural invasion (PNI) in carcinoma of the cervix uteri

Int J Surg Pathol. 2011 Apr;19(2):159-63. doi: 10.1177/1066896910381898. Epub 2010 Nov 17.

Abstract

The study determines morphological features that are associated with perineural invasion (PNI) in patients with cervical carcinoma (CX). Histological slides from 194 patients from surgically treated squamous cell carcinoma were re-examined for PNI and correlated to morphological factors of tumor growth. Material from 68 patients (35.1%) represented PNI. PNI was significantly correlated with advanced tumor stage (P < .001). Patients with deep cervical stromal invasion (>66%) showed more PNI than those with more superficial invasion (41% vs 16.9%; P = .001). Tumors with spray-like PI showed significantly more PNI (48.4%) when compared with finger-like PI (26.7%) and those with pushing borders (18.8%; P = .007). Strong peritumoral desmoplastic stromal reaction and absence of peritumoral inflammation were associated with a higher frequency of PNI (P < .001). PNI is associated with advanced tumor stage, deep cervical stromal invasion (>66%), high grade of tumor cell dissociation (ie, spray-like pattern of invasion), strong peritumoral desmoplastic stromal reaction, and reduced peritumoral inflammation.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness*
  • Prognosis
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms*