Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the most distal rectum: a dilemma in origin and management. (2nd April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferreira, Alexandre Oliveira; Loureiro, Ana Luisa; Marques, Vasco; Sousa, Helena Tavares
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2014
• Publication Date: 2014-04-02
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2013-201156
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the rectum is a rare malignant entity that has been classically managed with a surgery-based approach, which included abdominoperineal resection for distal lesions. Recently there have been reports on the favourable outcomes achieved with the non-surgical management of these patients. We report a case of a 52-year-old woman who was diagnosed with a stage IIIa SCC located on the distal rectum. The patient was managed conservatively with a chemoradiation regime with mitomycin and 5-fluorouracil. Complete remission was achieved and she is currently alive, asymptomatic and disease-free after 30 months. This case adds to the existing evidence that supports the role of chemoradiation as a first-line curative treatment for the rare rectal SCC.