Gynecol Oncol 1999;74:165–169 The objective in this study was to investigate the value of the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) staging system for early invasive cancer. Four hundred-two patients were included in the clinico-pathologic analysis where the depth of the stromal invasion was 5mm or less. The authors confirmed that the incidence of lump node metastasis with 3 mm or less was low at 1.2%. The only lymph node positive patient was Stage IA1. In patients in whom the depth of invasion was 3-5 mm there is a 6.8% incidence of lymph node metastasis. This seemed more associated with horizontal spread of tumor rather than depth of invasion. Of the four patients in this group with recurrences, three had horizontal spread with more than 7 mm and the remaining patient was a Stage IA2. The authors conclude that the FIGO definition of early squamous carcinoma is generally acceptable in its present form. Editorial Comment: This article would be worthwhile reading for member of the ASCCP. The accompanying editorial by Dr. Creasman is very helpful in delineating current thinking by gynecologic oncologists concerning early cervical lesions. (CJD)