What anatomical locations are of concern when treating cervical cancer?

When considering the anatomical locations of concern when treating cervical cancer, a focus on the lymphatic spread of the disease is critical. Cervical cancer primarily metastasizes through the lymphatic system, leading to regional and distant spread. The lymph nodes in the lungs, bone, and liver are significant because they represent common sites where cervical cancer may metastasize.

The lymphatic drainage of the cervix initially involves the pelvic lymph nodes, and further metastasis may occur to para-aortic lymph nodes. If the cancer progresses, it can lead to metastases in distant organs, particularly the lungs, liver, and sometimes bone. Therefore, focusing on these lymphatic pathways helps in staging the disease, planning treatment, and monitoring potential disease progression.

In the context of the other options, while head and neck involvement could pertain to some upper cervical cancers, they are less frequently implicated compared to the mentioned lymph nodes. Abdomen and lower extremities offer more general anatomy but do not specifically highlight the lymphatic pathway relevant to cervical cancer metastasis. Given these aspects, it is clear that lymph nodes in the lungs, bone, and liver are of primary concern when dealing with cervical cancer treatment.