Published online Nov 15, 2022. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i11.2295
Peer-review started: September 2, 2022
First decision: September 19, 2022
Revised: September 25, 2022
Accepted: October 17, 2022
Article in press: October 17, 2022
Published online: November 15, 2022
Processing time: 74 Days and 2 Hours
Adenocarcinoma has the highest incidence among malignant tumors of the small intestine (SI). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) often occurs in organs covered with squamous epithelium. Primary or metastatic SCC originating from the SI is very rare, with very few cases reported in the literature.
This case report involves a 69-year-old man who developed abdominal pain after lunch. After admission, an abdominal computed tomography scan revealed perforation of the alimentary canal and multiple abnormal low-density lesions in the liver. During laparotomy, an approximately 4 cm × 3 cm-sized solid tumor was found in the jejunum, located 30 cm from the Treitz ligament, with a perforation. An intestinal segment of approximately 15 cm was removed, including the perforated portion. The pathological result was SCC. In combination with liver imaging, a diagnosis of SI SCC with multiple liver metastases was considered. The patient died from hepatic failure 1 mo after the operation.
SI tumors are very rare compared to those originating in other digestive organs. Due to its insidious onset, the diagnosis of this disease is usually delayed. Clinicians must pay close attention to digestive symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain and melena.
Core Tip: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the small bowel is a rare pathologic category. Clinical symptoms are not evident, and it is challenging to determine whether it is the small intestine’s primary or metastatic SCC. This paper describes a 69-year-old male patient diagnosed with SCC of the small intestine and hepatic metastases. Effective diagnosis and early treatment are vital in improving the prognosis of malignant small bowel tumors. Radical resection should be undertaken if no metastases are found.