Brachytherapy: Manchester point A: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Brachytherapy: Manchester point A

Sample item

In intracavitary brachytherapy for carcinoma of the cervix using the Manchester system, point A is described as:

AOn the anterior abdominal wallB2 cm above the external os along the canal and 2 cm lateral to itCAt the centre of the bladderD5 cm lateral to the uterus at the pelvic sidewall

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. 2 cm above the external os along the canal and 2 cm lateral to it

Point A is a reference point in the paracervical triangle where the uterine artery crosses the ureter, used to specify and prescribe dose. Point B is placed further lateral at the pelvic wall.

Option by option

A. On the anterior abdominal wall
No reference point of the system lies on the abdominal wall.
B. 2 cm above the external os along the canal and 2 cm lateral to it (correct)
Correct. Point A lies 2 cm up and 2 cm out from the cervical os and canal.
C. At the centre of the bladder
Bladder and rectal points are separate reference points to limit organ dose.
D. 5 cm lateral to the uterus at the pelvic sidewall
A point about 5 cm lateral from the midline describes point B.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, 2 cm above the external os along the canal and 2 cm lateral to it. Point A is a reference point in the paracervical triangle where the uterine artery crosses the ureter, used to specify and prescribe dose.

Why is "On the anterior abdominal wall" not the answer?

No reference point of the system lies on the abdominal wall.

Why is "At the centre of the bladder" not the answer?

Bladder and rectal points are separate reference points to limit organ dose.

Why is "5 cm lateral to the uterus at the pelvic sidewall" not the answer?

A point about 5 cm lateral from the midline describes point B.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Brachytherapy: Manchester point A in Radiology. Point B is placed further lateral at the pelvic wall.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Brachytherapy: Manchester point A?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.