Introduction:
Squamous cell carcinoma arising from a suprapubic cystostomy tract is a rare complication of an indwelling catheter and is caused by long-term inflammation and mechanical irritation. Prognosis is relatively poor. Biomarkers in the cancer pathway have not been investigated.
Case presentation:
A 61-year-old woman with a 34-year history of suprapubic catheter placement presented with a rapidly growing elevated lesion around the cystostomy site. Tumor biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. Local excision with partial cystectomy was performed. Multiple metastases were identified 5 months later. The patient died 14 months after the initial treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis of the resected specimen revealed alterations in vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, cyclooxygenase-2, and Ki-67.
Conclusion:
We encountered a case of squamous cell carcinoma arising from a suprapubic cystostomy tract. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed activation of multiple carcinogenic pathways in cancer cells, including those for angiogenesis, signal transduction by epidermal growth factor receptor, inflammation, and cell proliferation.