Iliopsoas Metastasis from Cervix Carcinoma Masquerading as Psoas Abscess

Abstract

Objectives: Contribution of a case of unusual spread of cervical carcinoma mimicking iliopsoas abscess fifteen years after initial radiotherapy. Method: A 65-year-old white woman with history of squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix treated 15 years ago, was referred to our department with clinical and imaging’s findings simulating a psoas abcess. Result: Colposcopy and punch biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of carcinoma of the cervix. Needle aspirate of cystic mass yielded a watery chocolate-colored. Cytopathology revealed cells suggestive of squamous cell carcinoma consistent with the diagnosis of metastasis from carcinoma cervix. Consultations with radiation therapy and medical oncology suggested no additional therapy .The patient became increasingly cachectic and died with generalized metastasis 3 months after admission. Conclusion: Through this case, the authors highlights the fact that metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix can present as a psoas abscess and demonstrates certain difficulties in diagnosis even with the newer imaging modalities.