Adenosquamous carcinoma of the colon and rectum

PURPOSE: Adenosquamous carcinomas of the colon and rectum are rare tumors. These tumors have malignant glandular and squamous components capable of metastasizing. We report seven patients with adenosquamous carcinoma of the colon and rectum and their clinical outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective review was undertaken of seven patients who were identified by the tumor registry at Roswell Park Cancer Institute between 1971 and 1994. RESULTS: These represent a 0.18 percent incidence of adenocarcinomas in our institution. There were five tumors located in the rectum and two in the colon. All patients were Stage III or IV on presentation. Median overall survival was 23 months. In three patients, the tumor was associated with ulcerative colitis; in one of these patients, hypercalcemia was present. All patients died of their disease or with the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Previously reported aggressive behavior of this cancer is confirmed in our series.