Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the bladder as a cause of spontaneous bladder rupture : a case report

Abstract Background: Spontaneous bladder rupture is a rare condition typically presenting with abdominal pain and peritonitis. Although bladder malignancies seldom cause spontaneous perforation, when they do, the condition carries a high mortality rate due to delayed diagnosis and poor prognosis. Case presentation: A 69-year-old woman with a history of subtotal hysterectomy presented with acute abdominal pain and recurrent haematuria. Imaging showed a bladder rupture. Extensive bladder necrosis and multiple perforations were found during surgery, necessitating cystectomy. Histopathology confirmed infiltrating keratinising squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Her condition deteriorated postoperatively, and she died four months later. Conclusions: This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of spontaneous bladder rupture in SCC, the aggressive nature of the malignancies causing spontaneous bladder rupture, and the need for high clinical suspicion and timely intervention.