Which staging system provides staging for gynecologic cancers?

• A. AJCC
• B. FIGO
• C. SEER
• D. WHO

Answer: (B)

In gynecologic oncology, a staging framework is used to describe how far a cancer has spread. The system developed specifically for these cancers is FIGO, created by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. It provides standardized stages (I through IV) for cancers of the cervix, uterus (endometrium), ovaries, vagina, and vulva, based on how deeply the tumor invades tissues, involvement of nearby structures, lymph node spread, and distant metastasis. This targeted approach helps clinicians compare outcomes and guide treatment across institutions and countries.

While the AJCC TNM system is widely used for many cancers and is applicable in broader oncology, FIGO remains the go-to staging framework for gynecologic malignancies. SEER is a cancer registry, not a staging method, and WHO offers classifications rather than the specific staging criteria relied on in gynecologic cancer care.