Intraoperative techniques and tumor margin status—Room for improvement for cervical cancer patients of childbearing age

Abstract

Objective Inadequate tumor margin status in cervical cancer and pre-cancer patients is associated with repeat procedures and an increased risk of recurrence and progression. This review will outline information regarding the current treatment options for women who wish to maintain fertility, the methods currently used in practice to evaluate tumor margin involvement, and a look at potential solutions to this critical issue. Method We performed a PUBMED literature search of relevant research articles pertaining to tumor margin evaluation for multiple cancers, current treatment options for patients of cervical dysplasia and the effects of those treatments on fertility. Results Previous studies have correlated cancer recurrence and progression to obtaining clear margins upon resection. The most common need to obtain clear margins with respect to conservative treatment in patients with cervical neoplasia occurs with women who wish to preserve fertility. However, current detection methods are limited and current treatments present additional fertility concerns. Conclusion In order to provide the best care for patients wishing to retain fertility post-treatment for cervical dysplasia, a superior option for detecting tumor margins accurately at the microscopic scale must be further explored.