# The enigma of squamous cell carcinoma of the colon: a case report and review

## TL;DR

A rare case of colon squamous cell carcinoma is reported, showing long-term survival after surgery and chemotherapy.

## Contribution

A detailed case report and review of SCC of the colon, highlighting treatment outcomes and diagnostic challenges.

## Key findings

- A 72-year-old patient with stage pT4 SCC achieved over 12 years of disease-free survival after surgery and chemotherapy.
- Immunohistochemistry showed consistent positivity for squamous markers and absence of adenocarcinoma markers.
- Systemic chemotherapy was increasingly used in advanced stages of SCC.

## Abstract

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the colon is an exceptionally rare malignancy (<1% of colorectal cancers). Its infrequency has limited the development of standardized diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines; most evidence derives from individual case reports. Early recognition is challenging because clinical presentation often mimics more common colorectal tumors.

We describe a 72−year−old woman diagnosed with left−sided (sigmoid) SCC presenting with locally advanced pT4 disease who achieved >12 years of disease−free survival following left hemicolectomy and adjuvant modified FOLFOX−6 chemotherapy. To contextualize this case, we conducted a comprehensive review of 62 published reports meeting strict inclusion criteria. Most patients presented with nonspecific abdominal symptoms. Contrast−enhanced CT(Computed Tomography) and PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography) were routinely used to define local disease and exclude other squamous primaries. Immunohistochemistry consistently demonstrated positivity for squamous markers (p63, p40, CK5/6) with relative absence of adenocarcinoma-associated markers (CK20, CDX2). Surgery was the primary treatment modality, while systemic chemotherapy was increasingly utilized in stage II–IV disease.

Adjuvant chemotherapy may benefit select high−risk stage II patients with primary colonic SCC with high-risk features such as pT4 tumor penetration. as exemplified in this case. Consistent data collection, collaboration, and molecular characterization are essential to establish evidence−based treatment strategies for this uncommon malignancy.