A 45-year-old woman is diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. On examination, the tumor measures 5 cm and is confined to the cervix. MRI confirms no parametrial involvement, no pelvic wall extension. There is a solitary 1.5 cm pelvic lymph node on MRI. According to FIGO 2018 revised staging, what is her stage?
- A IIIC1 ✓
- B IB3
- C IIB
- D IIIC2
Correct answer: A. IIIC1
Explanation
The landmark change in FIGO 2018 cervical cancer staging is that lymph node involvement now upstages to Stage IIIC, regardless of tumor size or local extent. Stage IIIC1 = pelvic lymph node metastasis; IIIC2 = para-aortic lymph node metastasis. The primary tumor here (5 cm, confined to cervix) would be IB3 by local criteria, but pelvic LN involvement makes it IIIC1. This imaging-based lymph node classification was the major 2018 revision.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.