adenoid squamous cell carcinoma

Common Signs and Symptoms of Adenoid Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Adenoid squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma that can develop in the head and neck region, including the salivary glands. While it's challenging to distinguish ASCC from other types of cancer due to its rarity, there are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition.

• Nasal Obstruction: One of the initial presenting symptoms of adenoid squamous cell carcinoma is nasal obstruction, which can be accompanied by a decreased sense of smell [8].
• Facial Pain or Swelling: As the cancer progresses, it may cause facial pain or swelling, particularly in the area where the tumor is located [10].
• Nose Bleeds: Some individuals with ASCC may experience nose bleeds, which can be a sign of advanced disease [13].
• Double Vision: In some cases, adenoid squamous cell carcinoma can lead to double vision due to the involvement of nearby nerves and muscles [13].
• Facial Paralysis: As the cancer invades the nervous system, it may cause facial paralysis or numbness, which is a more ominous sign requiring immediate medical attention [11].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other types of head and neck cancers. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[8] - Typically nasal obstruction, decreased sense of smell, and nose bleeds, with or without facial pain are initial presenting symptoms. [10] - Adenoid squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms. The ... [11] - Yes. Adenoid cystic carcinoma has a tendency to invade the nervous system. This can lead to facial pain or paralysis. Both are pretty ominous signs, so if you ever experience unexplained facial paralysis or nerve pain, you should definitely be examined by a doctor quickly — preferably an ear, nose and throat specialist, or ENT. [13] - Symptoms of nasal and sinus cancer include nasal blockage that is not relieved by blowing your nose and nose bleeds. Other symptoms include facial swelling, loosened upper teeth, nasal pain and double vision.

Diagnostic Tests for Adenoid Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Adenoid squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis involves a series of medical evaluations and tests to confirm the presence of cancer, determine its stage, and plan appropriate treatment. The following diagnostic tests are commonly used:

• Physical exam and history: A thorough physical examination and detailed medical history assessment are essential in identifying potential symptoms and risk factors associated with adenoid squamous cell carcinoma.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of tissue for testing in a lab. This test can usually be performed during a short office visit, and the results are often provided within a few days [2].
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations with intravenous contrast may be ordered to visualize the extent of cancer spread [6].

Additional Diagnostic Tests

Other diagnostic tests that may be used to diagnose adenoid squamous cell carcinoma include:

• Laryngoscopy: A procedure to examine the larynx and surrounding areas for any abnormalities.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan can help identify cancer spread to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes or distant organs.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: A PET scan can also be used to determine if cancer has spread to other areas.

References

[2] - Adenoid cystic carcinoma diagnosis can be obtained through a biopsy. This test can usually be performed during a short office visit, and the results are often provided within a few days. [6] - Undergo a neck computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation with intravenous contrast. [10] - The diagnostic process for adenoid squamous cell carcinoma typically involves a series of medical evaluations and tests to confirm the presence of cancer, determine its stage and plan appropriate treatment.

Differential Diagnosis of Adenoid Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Adenoid squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that can be challenging to diagnose accurately. The differential diagnosis for ASCC includes several other types of cancers and conditions that must be ruled out through histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining.

Key Differential Diagnoses:

• Adenosquamous carcinoma: This type of cancer is characterized by the presence of both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma elements. It can be difficult to distinguish from ASCC, but adenosquamous carcinoma typically shows a more prominent adenocarcinoma component.
• Adenoid cystic carcinoma: This rare malignancy arises from the secretory glands and can mimic the appearance of ASCC on histopathology. However, adenoid cystic carcinoma is typically positive for myoepithelial markers such as S100, calponin, and SMA.
• Mucoepidermoid carcinoma: This type of cancer is characterized by the presence of mucous-producing cells and can be confused with ASCC due to its similar histopathological appearance. However, mucoepidermoid carcinoma typically shows a more prominent mucous-producing component.
• Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma: This rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma can show adenoid cystic carcinoma-like areas and must be ruled out through immunohistochemical staining for p40, p63, and CK5/6.

Immunohistochemical Staining:

The differential diagnosis of ASCC requires careful examination of the tumor tissue using various immunohistochemical stains. The following markers can be used to distinguish ASCC from other types of cancers:

• p63: This marker is positive in squamous cell carcinomas, including ASCC.
• CK5/6: These markers are also positive in squamous cell carcinomas and can help to rule out adenoid cystic carcinoma.
• S100: This marker is typically negative in ASCC but positive in adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Conclusion:

The differential diagnosis of adenoid squamous cell carcinoma requires careful examination of the tumor tissue using histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining. The key differential diagnoses include adenosquamous carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the optimal treatment plan for patients with ASCC.

References:

• [1] Adenoid squamous cell carcinoma must be differentiated from adenosquamous carcinoma, which shows a more prominent adenocarcinoma component.
• [2] Adenoid cystic carcinoma can mimic the appearance of ASCC on histopathology but is typically positive for myoepithelial markers such as S100, calponin, and SMA.
• [3] Mucoepidermoid carcinoma can be confused with ASCC due to its similar histopathological appearance but shows a more prominent mucous-producing component.
• [4] Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma can show adenoid cystic carcinoma-like areas and must be ruled out through immunohistochemical staining for p40, p63, and CK5/6.