Which cancer is a patient with schistosomiasis at increased risk of developing?

A patient with schistosomiasis is at increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder due to the chronic inflammation and irritation that schistosomiasis causes in the urinary tract. Schistosomiasis, particularly caused by Schistosoma haematobium, has a strong association with this type of cancer because the infection leads to chronic bladder inflammation, resulting in dysplasia and cellular changes over time.

The mechanisms include the direct carcinogenic effect of the parasites, along with the chronic irritation of the bladder lining, which can lead to changes in the epithelial cells, causing them to become malignant over time. In endemic areas where schistosomiasis is prevalent, the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder is significantly higher compared to other regions.

Other cancers listed, such as transitional cell carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma, have different etiology and associations, and while they may have links to various factors, schistosomiasis specifically correlates strongly with squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder due to the distinct pathophysiological effects of the parasite on bladder tissue.