Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Rectum: A Rare Entity

Abstract

We report a case of a 33-year old woman with a squamous-cell carcinoma of the rectum, of the basaloid subtype, infiltrating the uterus. The pathologic data and imaging findings that document the presence of the primary tumor of the rectum are presented in detail. Basaloid tumor is a histologic subtype of squamous-cell carcinoma arising usually in the anal canal. In this article we present a case of basaloid carcinoma of the rectum outside the anal canal with a bibliographical review of this rare clinical entity.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the ascending colon: two cases

“…The pluripotent theory proposes that stem cells with multidirectional differentiation develop into SCC after mucosal injury [ 2 – 5 ]. Another theory highlights that uncommitted basal cells have potential for squamous differentiation after epithelial damage; however, our patients did not have any known chronic inflammatory diseases, nor does histology suggest squamous differentiation from adenocarcinoma [ 5 , 9 ]. HPV has been associated with esophageal cancer (CA), and suggested to be related to the pathogenesis of SCC of the colon.…”

“…The pathogenesis of this histologic variant is unclear. In cases with little to no risk factors, a commonly reported theory suggests that multipotent cells or uncommitted basal cells differentiate into squamous cells from mucosal injury [ 2 – 5 ]. Applying the modified Dukes criteria for colorectal cancer staging, based largely on adenocarcinomas, the 5-year survival for stage B is 56%, stage C 15%, and stage D 5% [ 6 ].…”

A Large Invasive Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Colon: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of colon is a very rare histopathologic type of colon cancer which is mainly seen in rectosigmoid junction (1)(2)(3). SCC is raised from epithelial cells (2).…”

Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Sigmoid Colon

“…SCC is of epithelial origin and is commonly seen in glandular tissues such as the lung, but is rarely seen as primary colorectal tumors outside the anal canal. 1 In colorectal adenocarcinoma, scattered areas of Paneth and neuroendocrine cells and small foci of squamous cell differentiation can be seen, but a pure colorectal SCC is an extremely rare tumor entity. 1 Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a unique subtype of SCC that typically affects the upper digestive tract, respiratory tract, and anal canal.…”

“… 1 In colorectal adenocarcinoma, scattered areas of Paneth and neuroendocrine cells and small foci of squamous cell differentiation can be seen, but a pure colorectal SCC is an extremely rare tumor entity. 1 Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a unique subtype of SCC that typically affects the upper digestive tract, respiratory tract, and anal canal. On histologic examination, BSCC of the anal canal has been characterized by hyperchromatic basaloid cells and tumor nests with eosinophilic infiltration.…”