Squamous cell carcinoma of middle rectum: Literature review.
BACKGROUND
Squamous cell carcinoma SCC of the rectum is a distinct entity. We report a very rare case of squamous cell carcinoma of the middle rectum.


METHODS
The patient was a 62-year-old woman who presented with a history of rectal bleeding and discomfort. Colonoscopy revealed a polypoid tumour of the middle rectum. Biopsies of this mass revealed a poorly differentiated SCC of the rectum. CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis was negative for distal metastases. The patient received combined chemo-radiation followed by surgical excision. The postoperative period was uncomplicated.


CONCLUSIONS
The pathogenesis of rectal SCC remains unclear and diagnosis is often delayed. Diagnostic criteria have been proposed. MRI of the rectum and trans-rectal endoscopic ultrasound R-EUS provide essential information to plan a therapeutic approach. The squamous cell carcinoma antigen level is not suitable for initial diagnosis of rectal SCC. Most authors conclude that the surgery is the gold standard treatment. Tumour stage is the most important prognostic predictor of SCC.


CONCLUSIONS
Squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum is a distinct entity. Before the final choice of treatment is made, digestive surgeons should bear in mind this rare tumour.
Department of General Surgery, CHU Hospital, Jean Monnet University, Saint Étienne, France. Electronic address: Radwankassir42@hotmail.Fr.
Radwan
R
Kassir
Department of General Surgery, CHU Hospital, Jean Monnet University, Saint Étienne, France.
Sylviane
S
Baccot
Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, CHU Hospital, Jean Monnet University, Saint Etienne, France.
Nadia
N
Bouarioua
Department of Pathology, CHU Hospital, Jean Monnet University, Saint Etienne, France.
Carmen Adina
CA
Petcu
Department of General Surgery, CHU Hospital, Jean Monnet University, Saint Étienne, France.
Joelle
J
Dubois
Department of General Surgery, CHU Hospital, Jean Monnet University, Saint Étienne, France.
Alexia
A
Boueil-Bourlier
Department of General Surgery, CHU Hospital, Jean Monnet University, Saint Étienne, France.
Arnaud
A
Patoir
Department of General Surgery, CHU Hospital, Jean Monnet University, Saint Étienne, France.
Antoine
A
Epin
Department of General Surgery, CHU Hospital, Jean Monnet University, Saint Étienne, France.
Bertrand
B
Ripamonti
Department of General Surgery, CHU Hospital, Jean Monnet University, Saint Étienne, France.
Olivier
O
Tiffet
Chemoradiation; Colonoscopy; Rectal cancer; Squamous cell cancer; Surgery