Prognostic impact of perineural invasion in carcinoma of the cervix uteri (CX)

Aims: Perineural invasion (PNI) is a well recognised prognostic factor in prostatic and adenoid-cystic carcinoma. But, limited knowledge exists about the value of PNI in surgically treated CX. Methods: 194 surgically treated CX were obtained from our so-called Wertheim-Archive and were retrospectively evaluated regarding the occurrence and the prognostic impact of PNI and its correlation to other morphologic factors. Results: 35.1% (68/194) CX represented PNI. The occurrence of PNI showed a significant correlation to the depth of invasion into the cervical wall, a spray-like pattern on invasion and peritumoral d…