Background: Gynecologic malignancies are primarily staged by pelvic disease; however, advanced cases may demonstrate extrapelvic spread to cervical and supraclavicular lymph nodes and, less commonly, the upper aerodigestive tract. Such involvement signifies advanced disease, alters staging and treatment, and may cause airway morbidity. Cross-sectional imaging is essential for detection and characterization. Aim of the study was to evaluate the role of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing cervical lymph node and upper airway involvement in gynecologic malignancies and to correlate imaging findings with clinical, ENT, and histopathological outcomes.
Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 100 patients with histopathologically confirmed gynecologic malignancies. All underwent contrast-enhanced CT and/or MRI for staging or restaging. Imaging evaluation focused on cervical/supraclavicular lymph nodes and upper airway involvement. ENT assessment and image-guided FNAC or biopsy were performed when indicated. Statistical analysis used chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: The mean age was 52.6 ± 10.8 years; carcinoma cervix was the most common malignancy. Cervical and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy were detected in 44% and 29% of patients, respectively, while upper airway involvement was seen in 24%. Imaging features such as central nodal necrosis, loss of fatty hilum, and extranodal extension showed significant correlation with metastatic disease (p < 0.05). CT and MRI demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy compared with histopathology.
Conclusion: CT and MRI reliably assess cervical nodal and upper airway involvement in gynecologic malignancies. A structured imaging approach with multidisciplinary correlation improves staging accuracy and supports optimal clinical management.
International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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Research Journals