A 35-year-old woman with carcinoma of the uterine cervix undergoes radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Which group of lymph nodes is the FIRST echelon for drainage from the cervix?

• A Para-aortic nodes
• B Superior mesenteric nodes
• C Superficial inguinal nodes
• D Obturator and parametrial nodes ✓

Explanation

The uterine cervix drains primarily to the parametrial, obturator, and internal iliac lymph nodes, which are the first echelon. Para-aortic nodes (A) represent second-echelon or advanced spread. Superficial inguinal nodes (C) drain the vulva and lower vagina, not the cervix. Superior mesenteric nodes (B) drain midgut structures and are irrelevant to cervical drainage.

Reference: Williams Gynecology, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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