Urinary bladder Schistosoma haematobium-related squamous cell carcinoma: a report of two fatal cases and literature review

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is still a public health issue in certain areas of developing countries (especially in sub-saharan Africa). Schistosoma haematobium is a proven carcinogenic agent that causes mainly bladder squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer has characteristic epidemiological, clinical and histopathological features with poor prognosis as compared to other urinary bladder cancers not associated with this parasite. CASES PRESENTATION: We report two fatal cases of advanced-stage bladder squamous cell carcinoma associated with Schistosoma haematobium in a sub-saharan developing African country (Niger), illustrating the devastating complications of this tropical neglected disease. The two cases were a 38-year-old woman and a 37-year-old male. They presented with chronic pelvic pain and hematuria. The clinical and radiological work-up revealed invasive urivary bladder tumor extended to the pelvis, that was histopathologically proven to be an invasive squamous cell carcinoma associated with Schistosoma haematobium. The two patients died shortly after the diagnosis before chemotherapy prescription. CONCLUSION: Schistosoma-associated bladder squamous cell carcinoma has characteristic features with dismal prognosis. Eradication of this parasite remains the only efficient way to prevent the devastating consequences of this particular cancer.