In carcinoma of the cervix, radical hysterectomy includes removal of nodes lying in the lateral wall of the pelvis adjacent to the obturator vessels and nerve. These nodes represent the principal first echelon of drainage from the cervix along with which other group?

• A Superficial inguinal nodes
• B External iliac nodes ✓
• C Para-aortic nodes at the renal hilum
• D Presacral nodes only

Explanation

The cervix drains mainly through the broad ligament to obturator, external iliac, and internal iliac (hypogastric) nodes, and secondarily to common iliac and para-aortic chains. Obturator nodes alongside external iliac nodes form the first echelon sampled during pelvic lymphadenectomy. Superficial inguinal nodes receive lymph from the vulva and lower vagina, not the cervix, which is the key distinction from vulval cancer staging.

Reference: Williams Gynecology, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.