Schistosoma-associated primary pure squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in an elderly man from West Bengal, India: A rare case report
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Background: Chronic Schistosoma haematobium infection is a recognized risk factor for urinary bladder carcinoma, typically manifesting as pure squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in endemic regions. However, cases originating from non-endemic areas in India remain exceptionally rare. Case Presentation: An 86-year-old man from West Bengal, India, presented with painless gross hematuria for two months. He had no history of travel to endemic countries, occupational exposures, or prior schistosomiasis. Computed tomography revealed a 2.1-cm thick flat lesion involving the left lateral wall of the urinary bladder alongside incidental congenital renal anomalies. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor was performed. Histopathological examination demonstrated invasive moderately differentiated keratinizing SCC invading the muscularis propria (pT2 stage). Crucially, calcified Schistosoma ova surrounded by chronic granulomatous inflammation and multinucleated giant cells were identified within the tumor bed. Immunohistochemistry showed strong p40 positivity and GATA3 negativity, confirming pure primary SCC. Conclusion: This case highlights that Schistosoma-associated bladder malignancies can occur in non-classical geographical settings. Pathologists should remain vigilant for parasitic ova in atypical regions, and molecular confirmation is recommended for definitive species identification.
Authors: Avisek Dutta, Pritam Ray, Rajendra Prasad Ray
Institution: Peerless Hospital & B.K.Roy Research Centre
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7204154546