[An unusual case: vaginal foreign body (forceps) as an incidental finding during primary operation for breast cancer]

A 29 year-old patient was admitted for surgery because of two breast lumps. One of these was suspicious for malignancy by a mammogram and palpation. When her history was taken, the patient mentioned putrid vaginal discharge and denied any previous gynaecologic examination. After initial hesitancy, the patient agreed to have a pelvic examination. This revealed an oxydized iron rod protruding 2 cm out of the vagina. The object was identified by x-ray examination as one handle of iron forceps often used for cutting metal wires. The patient had been carrying this foreign body for fifteen years. She was not willing to relate any information about the cause of the manipulation or any eventual culprit. She was consistent and her personality was dominated by introverted behaviour. The foreign body was removed under the same anaesthesia as that used for the operation on the breast cancer.