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INTRODUCTION: Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor that affects the epidermis and mucous membranes. Its incidence is increasing due to aging, smoking, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Antiretroviral therapy has reduced the prevalence of cancers associated with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); however, there has been an increase in non-HIV-related cancers, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
CASO REPORT: We present the case of a 59-year-old woman with a history of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and chronic smoking. She presented with one-month-duration symptoms: vomiting (six episodes per day), diarrhea (three episodes of watery stools per day), anorexia, generalized weakness, and significant unintentional weight loss (5 kg). Physical examination revealed a firm, non-tender mass with regular borders, adherent to deep cervical planes. A biopsy of the cervical lymph node confirmed a moderately differentiated, infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma.
DISCUSSION: The association between HIV and cervical squamous cell carcinoma is uncommon and appears to be influenced by carcinogenic factors such as smoking, HPV infection, and illicit drug use. This case highlights the importance of considering neoplasms in the differential diagnosis of cervical masses and the necessity of performing biopsies on suspicious lesions in patients with HIV.
