Mixed Neuroendocrine Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Colon: Case Report and Literature Review

Combined large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx: A collision course of tumors

Combined large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the H&N are exceptionally rare. We present the case of combined p16 negative SCC and LCNEC of the oropharynx treated with combination chemotherapy. This is the third reported case of combined neuroendocrine carcinoma and SCC of the oropharynx.

Colorectal neuroendocrine carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Colorectal neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a rare tumor that demonstrates aggressive growth pattern with ingrowth into the tract, metastasis to the other organs, and invasion to the surrounding organs; these clinical characteristics result in poor prognosis. Surgical resection appears as an effective approach; however, because it is difficult to accurately diagnose NEC during the early stage and owing to its aggressive growth pattern, development of a reliable standard chemotherapy regimen and management strategies are essential.

CASE SUMMARY

Here, we report the case of patient with NEC showing an aggressive growth pattern that resulted in the rupture of the tumor to the outside the colon after stenting of the internal colonic stenosis. In addition, the tumor invaded into the duodenum, thereby causing duodenal stenosis that required an additional stent in the duodenum. This aggressive growth pattern is one of the main features of the NEC that is different from adenocarcinoma. To clarify the clinical characteristics, we reviewed 60 recently reported cases, including data on tumor location, size, treatment, and prognosis.

CONCLUSION

We consider that the information presented here is of great significance for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of symptoms of the patients with NEC.

Mixed neuroendocrine and squamous cell carcinoma of the colon: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

The occurrence of Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (NEC) of the colon is <2% of all colon cancers. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is even more unusual and has an occurrence in the colon as low as 0.1% of colon cancers. Coupled together mixed NEC-SCC, is nearly unheard of. SCC of the gastrointestinal tract is usually found in the esophagus and rectum, rarely are there squamous cells even present in the colon.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 62-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and a palpable mass in the left lower quadrant. CT scan revealed a poly-lobulated mass in the left abdomen attached to the left colon. A left hemicolectomy was performed. There were no distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. Microscopic examination revealed NEC mixed with SCC demonstrated by keratin pearl formation.

DISCUSSION

NEC and SCC individually are unusual in the colon but together are extraordinarily rare. Histologically, the NEC in this case demonstrated squamous cell differentiation with keratin pearl formation. The median survival in studies of patients with colonic NEC is 5-10 months due to the aggressive behavior and lymph node metastases, which were present in this case. There is insufficient literature addressing ideal adjuvant therapy after resection of mixed NEC and SCC of the colon.

CONCLUSION

We present the first case of primary colon mixed NEC and SCC which presented as abdominal pain. There is a current absence of ideal therapy recommendations in the medical literature following resection of mixed NEC and SCC of the colon.