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Spontaneous Gas Gangrene Malignancy Screen — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardHealthcare-Associated InfectionsSpontaneous Gas Gangrene Malignancy ScreenSCE Infectious Diseases

A patient develops spontaneous atraumatic clostridial myonecrosis and blood cultures grow Clostridium septicum. After emergency debridement and antimicrobial treatment, which occult condition must be actively sought?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Colorectal or haematological malignancy

The best answer is “Colorectal or haematological malignancy”. Spontaneous C. septicum infection has a strong association with colonic and haematological malignancy; the acute surgical emergency comes first, followed by directed cancer investigation. A solid intratesticular mass requires urgent cancer-pathway assessment and must not be attributed to a concurrent sexually transmitted infection.

Reference: NICE NG12: suspected cancer recognition and referral: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng12/chapter/Recommendations-organised-by-site-of-cancer