A case of diagnostic laparoscopy of lymph node recurrence following conization for cervical cancer stage IA1

Abstract

Objective: We experienced a rare case of lymph node recurrence in stage IA1 squamous cell carcinoma after conization, which was diagnosed using laparoscopic surgery. Design: Case report. Patient: A 44-year-old woman, who was previously diagnosed with stage IA1 cervical cancer following conization, was further diagnosed with multiple pelvic lymph node recurrences by laparoscopic surgery following computed tomography and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography-computed tomography. Conclusion: Lymphatic recurrences are rare in stage IA1 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix; therefore, patients with low-risk features could be safely followed-up after conization. When early-stage lymphadenopathy is identified in a patient, the laparoscopic approach might be a viable option for the diagnosis of pelvic lymph node recurrence. Furthermore, in a patient with stromal invasion likely of stage IA2 cervical cancer, like in this case, aggressive surgical management may be considered.