Margin Status Post Cervical Conization Predicts Residual Adenocarcinoma In Situ (AIS) and Occult Adenocarcinoma in a Predominantly Hispanic Population

Background: Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) of the cervix, is increasing in incidence, particularly in women of reproductive age. Fertility preservation is often desired. In a predominantly Hispanic population, we sought to determine the incidence of occult cervical cancer co-existing with AIS, and evaluate how conization margin status correlates with residual disease upon hysterectomy. Methods: A retrospective study utilizing a comprehensive cancer center database was conducted. Data from patients with histologically proven AIS of the cervix were abstracted. Results: Of 47 patients that met the criteria, 23 (49%) were Hispanic, 21 (45%) were White, two (4%) were Asian, and one (2%) was Black. The median age was 37. Forty-two patients underwent cervical conizations; 13/42 (48%) had positive margins upon conization; 28/42 (67%) underwent hysterectomies. Furthermore, 6/13 (46%) patients with positive conization margins had residual disease in hysterectomy specimens, with 2/13 (15%) found to have invasive cancer. In contrast, 0/14 (0%) of patients with negative margins had residual disease (p = 0.036, Chi-squared 4.41, df = 1). In total, 2/27 (7%) patients who underwent hysterectomies had invasive cancer (7%). Conclusions: Positive margins upon cervical conization for AIS of the cervix were correlated with a relatively high rate of residual AIS and occult invasive cancer. Negative conization margins were correlated with no residual disease. Those patients may be candidates for fertility-sparing treatment.