Urogenital schistosomiasis, a leading cause of bladder squamous cell carcinoma

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Abstract Introduction/Objective Schistosoma, genus of trematodes, commonly known as blood flukes are parasitic flatworms responsible for a group of infections in humans termed schistosomiasis and hundreds of millions of people are infected worldwide. In areas where Shistosoma is not endemic to the region most cases of bladder malignancy are of urothelial origin. In areas where Shistosoma is endemic bladder malignancy is more commonly squamous cell carcinoma. However, with increased travel, migration and tourism it is important to potentially consider Shistosoma infection in areas that are not typically considered endemic regions. Methods/Case Report A 62-year-old male presented to our hospital and revealed through an interpreter he has had 1.5 years hematuria with “pieces of meat or brown dirt”. Cystoscopy was performed and showed a large necrotic mass. CT scan showed an 8.2 cm exophytic bladder dome mass. TURBT was performed and a diagnosis of invasive high-grade urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation and with multiple Schistosoma organisms identified.The patient received Schistosoma treatment and was scheduled for radical cystectomy and ileal conduct. A few days before the scheduled procedure the patient presented to our emergency department with acute abdominal pain. He was subsequently diagnosed with progressive bladder cancer with new left malignant ureteral obstruction, which lead to hydronephrosis, DVT, abdominopelvic ascites and intraperitoneal bladder perforation. Abdominal fluid cytology showed atypical keratinizing squamous cells suspicous for malignancy and marked acute inflammation. Patient underwent cystectomy with ileal conduit and the specimen was sent to pathology for examination. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Gross examination showed an irregular perforated bladder. Microscopic examination showed a high grade urothelial carcinoma with squamous and sarcomatoid differentiation with detrusor muscle invasion. Additionally, Schistosoma organisms with a terminal spine and calcified eggs were identified. Some of the calcified egg material was engulfed by giant cells. The organisms are surrounded by a prominent eosinophilic infiltrate. Lymphovascular invasion is also noted. Schistosomiasis is associated with the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder. It is important to maintain high oncological alertness for squamous cell carcinoma, particularly for patients arriving from endemic areas. Such as in our case, a patient from Somalia living in Kansas City.