Recurrence of mucinous prostate cancer in rectal wall due to needle‐track seeding from previous transrectal prostate biopsy

Abstract

Introduction Needle‐track seeding of prostate cancer into the rectal wall following transrectal prostate biopsy is exceedingly rare. We report a case of mucinous prostate cancer recurrence in the rectal wall due to biopsy needle seeding, discovered after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. Case presentation A 67‐year‐old man underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy for mucinous prostate cancer (clinical stage T2cN0M0, Gleason score of 4 + 4, and initial prostate‐specific antigen level of 8.8 ng/mL). Five years postoperatively, endoscopy revealed a rectal tumor, which was diagnosed as needle‐track seeding from the previous transrectal prostate biopsy. Following resection of this rectal tumor, the patient's prostate‐specific antigen level fell to <0.008 ng/mL. No signs of recurrence or metastasis were observed 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion While rare, transrectal prostate biopsies can pose a small risk of needle‐track seeding into the rectal wall. Endorectal examination should be considered if biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer occurs following radical prostatectomy.

Keywords

• mucinous prostate cancer
• needle‐track seeding
• prostate biopsy
• prostate cancer
• robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy