Aggressive characteristics of cervical cancer in young women in Taiwan

Objective

To compare the characteristics and prognosis of cervical cancer in young women (under 30 years) with those of older women (over 30 years).

Methods

A retrospective study of 2443 patients diagnosed with FIGO stage IA-IIA cervical cancer who underwent surgical procedures between January 1983 and December 2007.

Results

Thirty patients (1.2%) were 30 years or younger. The proportion of non-squamous cell carcinoma was higher in patients 30 years or younger compared with in patients over 30 years (14/30, 46.7% vs 10/30, 33.3%; P = 0.001). A higher rate of parametrial involvement was found in the younger group of patients compared with those over 30 years (10/30, 33.3% vs 289/2413, 12.0%; P = 0.001). Patients under 30 years had a higher rate of distant metastases compared with older patients (60% vs 49.7%; P = 0.036).

Conclusions

Non-squamous histology, parametrial involvement, a higher rate of distant metastases, and poorer prognosis are more common in women aged 30 or younger with cervical cancer than in older women with the disease.