Occult Cervical Carcinoma Presenting as Psoas Abscess: Diagnostic Insights
Sai Kulkarni *
Department of Pathology, BLDE (DU), Shri. B.M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India.
Vijayalaxmi S Patil
Department of Pathology, BLDE (DU), Shri. B.M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India.
Manjunath S Kotennavar
Department of Surgery, BLDE (DU), Shri. B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India.
Angela Susan
Department of Pathology, BLDE (DU), Shri. B.M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Psoas abscess as an initial presentation of cervical squamous cell carcinoma is exceedingly rare, particularly in HIV-negative women, with only a few cases reported. This rarity often leads to diagnostic delays, as initial imaging findings may mimic infectious psoas abscesses, resulting in misdirected therapeutic interventions. Our case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion, as malignancies may masquerade as benign inflammatory conditions. Accurate diagnosis requires multidisciplinary evaluation with imaging, biopsy, and histopathology. Surgeons should consider cervical carcinoma in the differential diagnosis of atypical psoas abscesses to avoid delays and improve outcomes.
Keywords: Cervical carcinoma, psoas abscess, occult, flank pain