A case study on cervical cancer: the role of MRI in staging and management

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, primarily caused by persistent HPV infection, particularly types 16 and 18. In Croatia, 268 new cases of cervical cancer were reported in 2021, along with 109 cervical cancer-related deaths reported in 2022. Accurate staging, utilizing the 2018 FIGO or TNM classifications, is essential for treatment planning and prognosis. In 2018, the FIGO system incorporated imaging and pathology findings, such as lymph node status, into the staging criteria, enhancing treatment precision. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging modality for local staging, assessing eligibility for fertilitysparing surgery, evaluating treatment response, and detecting recurrence of cervical cancer. This case study discusses a 61-year-old woman diagnosed with stage IIB/IIIC1 cervical cancer in January 2023. After completing chemotherapy, external beam radiation therapy, and brachytherapy, MRI confirmed tumor regression, achieving a complete response by October 2023. The case highlights the critical role of pelvic MRI in cervical cancer staging and its integration into the FIGO system. Ongoing advancements in imaging techniques, such as functional MRI, hybrid imaging, and radiomics, are promising to enhance the understanding of disease spread and support personalized clinical decision-making.