Primary squamous-cell carcinoma of the cecum:

Abstract

Summary Primary squamous-cell carcinoma of the cecum is uncommon. Only four cases have been cited in the literature previously. The fifth case is the subject of this presentation. This tumor has no characteristics, clinical or gross, which would help to distinguish it from the usual adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis is microscopic, and can be aided by keratin and prekeratin stains. The presence of intracellular bridges and negative mucin stains are supportive evidence. These lesions may arise from embryonic nests of undifferentiated epithelium, epidermoid implantation at time of operation, inflammation, or radiation, or they may be teratomatous.