Background and Objectives: Cervical cancer (CC) represents a significant health concern worldwide, particularly for younger women. Cold knife (CK) conization and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser conization are two techniques commonly used to remove pre-invasive lesions, offering a potential curative intent in cases of incidental diagnosis of CC. This study aimed to assess the clinical implications and pathological outcomes of CK vs. CO2 laser conization for pre-invasive lesions. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed women who underwent CO2 or CK conization for high-grade preinvasive lesions (CIN2/3, CIS and AIS) between 2010 and 2022. Patient demographics, surgical details and pathological outcomes were collected. Pregnancy outcomes, including composite adverse obstetric rates, and oncological follow-up data, were also obtained. Results: In all, 1270 women were included; of them, 1225 (96.5%) underwent CO2, and 45 (3.5%) underwent CK conization. Overall, the rate of positive endocervical or deep margins was lower with CO2 laser compared to CK (4.3% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.015). Incidental CC was diagnosed in 56 (4.4%) patients, with 35 (62.5%) squamous and 21 (46.6%) adenocarcinomas. In a multivariate regression model, the relative risk for positive endocervical or deep margins is significantly greater in cases of incidental diagnosis of CC (p < 0.01). In cases of incidental diagnosis of CC, we found that the probabilities of having either positive endocervical or deep margins after CO2 laser or CK conization are similar, with a higher risk in case of adenocarcinoma lesion. Among women with CC, 42 (75%) opted for radical treatment, while 14 (25%) underwent a follow-up. Only one woman (7.1%) in the follow-up group, who had undergone CK conization, experienced a composite adverse obstetric outcome. No recurrences were observed after a median follow-up of 53 months. Conclusions: CO2 laser conization achieved a lower positive margin rate overall. CK and CO2 conization appear to be equivalent oncological options for incidental CC.
1 December 2025 in Minerva Obstetrics and Gynecology
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinological disorder and is frequently associated with other medical conditions such as hyperinsulinemia and obesity. The aim of this review is to identify the role of PCOS as a potential risk factor for endometrial, breast and ovarian cancer. A literature search was conducted including most relevant peer-reviewed articles regarding the possible association between PCOS and gynecological cancer published from 1996 to the present. A narrative synthesis was performed. PCOS is linked to an increased risk of endometrial cancer. However, the risk varies based on factors like BMI, parity, and phenotype. The association between PCOS and ovarian cancer is uncertain. Some studies suggest a two-fold increased risk, particularly in women with infertility or treated for infertility, but more recent reviews find no clear association. The role of androgen and estrogen imbalances in different ovarian cancer types remains debated. Even the link between PCOS and breast cancer is unclear. While high androgen levels are theorized to play a role, local hormone conversion and factors like weight, environment, and genetics are likely more important. The association between PCOS and gynecological cancers is complex. Further reviews and new studies that control individual confounding factors are needed to accurately establish the real oncological risk of PCOS.