Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of Pancreas: An Exceedingly Rare Entity In A Young Female

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective Squamous cell carcinoma(SqCC) of Pancreas is a vanishingly rare neoplasm with dismal survival. Only a handful of cases are ever reported as pure SqCC reportedly accounts for <1% of malignancies of exocrine pancreas. Although, few theories have been proposed in an attempt to explain origin of this tumor including the possibility of (1)common progenitor cell and (2)squamous metaplasia, none have been proven with concrete evidence. Methods Here, we are presenting a case of squamous cell carcinoma of pancreas in a 33-year-old female who presented with 2-year history of right upper quadrant abdominal pain and a palpable mass. The imaging showed a multi-lobulated cystic mass encasing cystic duct, portal vein, and superior mesenteric artery. Results Grossly the mass was 5.2 cm in the greatest dimension. The mass revealed solid and cystic areas and was filled with hemorrhagic debris. On microscopy, the cyst wall was infiltrated by malignant neoplasm composed of irregular tongues and cords of malignant cells with nests of central keratinization. The tumor was consistent with squamous cell carcinoma. Foci of high grade cells with oval to spindled hyperchromatic nuclei, with many prominent nucleoli were also noted. There was no evidence of glandular component despite adequate sampling. The differential diagnoses of pancreatoblastoma and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma were considered and excluded. Conclusion SqCC of Pancreas is an exceedingly rare neoplasm of Pancreas. The diagnosis is made after extensive work up, adequate sampling and ruling out other common primary tumors and the possibility of metastasis. It usually follows an aggressive course with resistance to conventional neoadjuvant therapy. During the recent years, survival rates have shown some improvement with respectability and low to intermediate grade emerging as favorable prognostic factors. However, to further validate such findings noted in published case reports of this rare entity, collaborative studies with pooled data are deemed necessary.