SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising From a Chronic Suprapubic Catheter Tract: A Rare Complication of Long-Term Catheterization

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This case report describes a rare and aggressive complication of long-term suprapubic catheterization: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising from the catheter tract. The patient was a 46-year-old man with HIV, recurrent lymphoma, end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, and a suprapubic catheter placed two years earlier for urethral strictures. He presented with a rapidly enlarging mass at the catheter site. Biopsy showed well to moderately differentiated SCC extending through the abdominal wall into the bladder.<br /><br />After catheter repositioning and planned oncology follow-up, he returned weeks later with severe bleeding from the tumor. During hospitalization, the mass became fluctuant and malodorous, and imaging revealed an abscess within the tumor. He required interventional radiology drainage and treatment for recurrent polymicrobial infections, including ESBL E. coli, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and Candida albicans. Once stabilized, he began multimodal cancer therapy with radiation and renally adjusted cisplatin, with possible surgical resection depending on response.<br /><br />The report emphasizes that SCC from a suprapubic catheter tract is extremely uncommon, with only a few cases in the literature. Proposed causes include chronic irritation, infection, and inflammation leading to squamous metaplasia and malignant transformation. Although cases usually develop after many years of catheter use, this one suggests transformation can occur much earlier in immunocompromised patients. Because the tumor can resemble infection or granulation tissue, any new or unusual growth around a suprapubic catheter should be biopsied promptly.<br /><br />Overall, the authors stress the need for heightened suspicion, early surveillance, multidisciplinary management, and clearer guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of this rare but serious complication.

Asset Subtitle

Sanchita Sen

Meta Tag

Author List Austin Runde, Beatriz Franco-Hondermann, Camille Goodwyn, Deval Patel, Sanchita Sen

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Concept Suprapubic Catheterization

Concept Malignant Transformation

Concept Biopsy

Concept Chronic Catheter Tract

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine

Presenting Author Sanchita Sen

Track Adult

Keywords

suprapubic catheter

squamous cell carcinoma

catheter tract

immunocompromised

HIV

chronic irritation

biopsy

abscess

polymicrobial infection

radiation therapy

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Suprapubic Catheterization

Malignant Transformation

Biopsy

Chronic Catheter Tract