The FIGO 2018 revised staging of cervical cancer now incorporates imaging and pathological findings. A woman with cervical carcinoma and radiological evidence of pelvic lymph node metastasis (proven on PET-CT) but no parametrial invasion and tumour size 3 cm would be staged as:
- A Stage IB2
- B Stage IIIC1r ✓
- C Stage IIA2
- D Stage IIIB
Correct answer: B. Stage IIIC1r
Explanation
FIGO 2018 introduced Stage IIIC to incorporate lymph node metastasis regardless of tumour size or local extent. Stage IIIC1 indicates pelvic lymph node metastasis; Stage IIIC2 indicates para-aortic node metastasis. The suffix 'r' denotes radiological (imaging) diagnosis and 'p' denotes pathological diagnosis. In this patient, despite the favourable primary tumour characteristics (Stage IB1 by tumour size/extent), the pelvic node involvement on PET-CT upstages her to IIIC1r. This change significantly impacts prognosis and treatment planning.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.