On MRI evaluation, a 46-year-old woman with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix has a tumour measuring 3 cm confined to the cervix, with obvious parametrial invasion on the left but no extension to the pelvic sidewall and no hydronephrosis. According to the FIGO 2018 staging system, what is the correct stage?
- A Stage IB2
- B Stage IIA2
- C Stage IIB ✓
- D Stage IIIA
Correct answer: C. Stage IIB
Explanation
In the FIGO 2018 revision, parametrial involvement defines stage IIB regardless of tumour size, and this patient's disease stops short of the pelvic sidewall which would indicate IIIB. Stage IB2 requires a tumour of 2 cm or more but less than 4 cm with stromal invasion confined to the cervix, so the intact cervix-only criteria are overridden by parametrial spread. Stage IIIA implies lower vaginal involvement, which is not present.
Reference: FIGO Staging for Cervical Cancer, 2018 revision ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.