A 34-year-old woman has a routine Pap smear for the first time. The results indicate that dysplastic cells are present, consistent with a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), also called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) III. She is referred to a gynecologist, who performs colposcopy and takes multiple cervical biopsy specimens that all show CIN III. The conization of the cervix shows a focus of micro invasion at the squamocolumnar junction. Based on these findings, what is the next most likely step in treating this patient?: (A) Bone scan for metastatic lesions, (B) Course of radiation therapy, (C) No further therapy, (D) Pelvic exenteration
Answer is C. Micro invasive squamous cell carcinomas of the cervix are stage I lesions that have a survival rate similar to that of in situ lesions. Such minimal invasiveness does not warrant more aggressive therapies. The likelihood of metastasis or recurrence is minimal.