Adenosquamous carcinoma of the digestive system: a literature review

Abstract

Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC), containing both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma components, is rare in the digestive system. Limited data is available on ASC of the digestive system (AS-ASC), and the current evidence is available mainly in the form of case reports and case series. We performed a thorough search of the available literature and compiled a review on the epidemiology, histopathology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of AS-ASC. Non-specific clinical and imaging presentations and low diagnostic accuracy of biopsy lead to difficulties in preoperative diagnosis in a high proportion of patients and high malignancy. The pathogenesis remains obscure. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for AS-ASC. The role of chemoradiotherapy as an adjuvant treatment is still inconclusive.

Key messages

• Metastatic linings and the lack of efficacious treatments lead to an unfavorable outcome in AS-ASC patients. Further research could help us understand the pathophysiology of AS-ASCand the unique needs of AS-ASC patients.

Keywords:

• Adenosquamous carcinoma
• digestive system
• diagnosis
• treatment
• prognosis

Acknowledgement

The authors thank Editage (www.editage.cn) for English language editing.

Author contributions

HSL and TH did the literature search and HSL wrote the draft. LLY reviewed the results of the literature search and also reviewed the first draft. All authors approved the final format of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

All the authors have no conflict of interests to declare.