Postmenopausal bleeding: squamous cell carcinoma of cervix with coexisting endometrial tuberculosis

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2004 Mar;269(3):221-3. doi: 10.1007/s00404-003-0558-x. Epub 2003 Oct 17.

Abstract

Case report: A case of squamous cell carcinoma of cervix co-existent with endometrial tuberculosis presenting as postmenopausal bleeding is being reported for its rarity. The atrophic postmenopausal endometrium is thought to be poorly supportive of tubercle bacilli. Following a radical Wertheim's hysterectomy patient had a hectic postoperative period, which responded to antitubercular treatment. Diagnosis of tuberculosis in this case was made on histopathology postoperatively and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on scrapes from the granulomas obtained by microdissection.

Conclusion: Tuberculosis complicating malignant disease may occur in regions with a high prevalence of disease; with a resurgence of tuberculosis worldwide this association may not be uncommon. The diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in a patient with cancer assumes importance as a high mortality has been seen in patients with co-existent disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endometrium / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / genetics
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / isolation & purification
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Tuberculosis, Female Genital / complications
  • Tuberculosis, Female Genital / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis, Female Genital / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis, Female Genital / pathology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / complications
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / surgery
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / etiology

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents