Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy diagnosed in pregnancy. When cervical cancer is diagnosed late in pregnancy, pelvic lymphadenectomy is avoided. Advanced imaging adds an alternative way to assess nodal involvement. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can contribute to the clinical staging of cervical cancer and inform treatment decisions when diagnosis is made late in pregnancy. We report the case of a woman in the third trimester who was diagnosed with advanced-stage squamous cell cervical carcinoma by MRI and biopsy. CASE REPORT A 33-year-old woman at 33 weeks of gestation was admitted to our hospital for recurrent vaginal bleeding. Examination revealed a large cervical mass. A gynecologic oncologist was consulted, an examination under anesthesia was performed, and cervical biopsy samples were obtained. Pathology results revealed squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. A clinical stage of IB3 was assumed. MRI revealed a 5.2×5.8-cm cervical mass and an enlarged left pelvic lymph node. These findings upstaged the patient to IIIC1. Instead of undergoing a radical cesarean hysterectomy, the patient had a cesarean delivery and pelvic lymph node dissection. Four weeks later, she began chemotherapy and pelvic radiation. CONCLUSIONS There is significant value in advanced imaging for cervical cancer staging. This is especially relevant in pregnancy, where the under-staging of disease is a concern. This case report demonstrates the value of MRI in cervical cancer staging, particularly in pregnant women, in whom treatment and the timing of treatment should be individualized.