endometrial squamous cell carcinoma

Endometrial Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Rare Type of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a rare and aggressive type of endometrial cancer, accounting for less than 5% of all endometrial malignancies [5]. It is characterized by the presence of squamous cells in the lining of the uterus, which are typically found on the surface of the skin or interior surfaces of the mouth [11].

Types and Characteristics

ESCC is a rare subtype of endometrial cancer that is mostly described in case reports [2, 4]. It tends to grow and spread faster than most types of endometrial cancer, making early diagnosis and treatment critical [4]. Most ESCC cases have a primary cervical origin, with only a small percentage being primary or secondary endometrial squamous cell carcinomas [12].

Comparison to Other Types

In contrast to the more common Type I endometrial cancer (endometrioid adenocarcinoma), which is linked to estrogen exposure and has a better prognosis, ESCC is a rarer histologic subtype that falls under Type II endometrial cancer [13]. It is also distinct from other rare types of endometrial cancer, such as serous, clear cell, carcinosarcoma, and undifferentiated carcinomas.

Treatment and Prognosis

Surgery is the primary treatment for ESCC, involving the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries [14]. However, due to its aggressive nature, ESCC often presents with advanced disease, making treatment more challenging. As a result, women diagnosed with ESCC have a poorer prognosis compared to those with other types of endometrial cancer.

References

[2] M Caulkins · 2022 · Cited by 2 — Primary endometrial squamous cell carcinoma remains a rare histologic sub-type of endometrial cancer and its description is mostly confined to case reports. [4] by L Song · 2023 · Cited by 2 — PSCCE is a rare subtype of endometrial cancer that is mostly described in case reports. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical because the ... [5] by H Li · 2022 · Cited by 1 — Primary endometrial squamous cell carcinoma (PESCC) is an exceedingly rare tumor of the uterus, accounting for less than 5% of all endometrial malignancies. [11] What makes cancer squamous cell carcinoma? All cancers have to start somewhere. The term “squamous” just means these started on a surface lining of the body. Squamous cells line the surface of the skin, as well as the interior surfaces of the mouth. This includes the tongue and throat. [12] Most squamous cell carcinomas found in the endometrium have a primary cervical origin. Primary squamous cell carcinoma is rare, and it accounting for <1% of all malignancies of the corpus uteri. However, primary or secondary endometrial squamous cell carcinomas is rare, and PSCCE in situ is even rarer. [13] Type I endometrial cancer: The most common endometrial cancer is endometrioid adenocarcinoma. These cancer cells are mostly related to estrogen exposure, are less aggressive and have a better prognosis. Type II endometrial cancer: These include rarer histologic subtypes, such as serous, clear cell, carcinosarcoma and undifferentiated ... [14] Surgery is the first treatment for almost all women with endometrial cancer. The operation includes removing the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. ... Cancers such as papillary serous carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, or carcinosarcoma are more likely to have already spread outside the uterus when diagnosed. Women with these types of tumors ...

Endometrial squamous cell carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that accounts for less than 1% of all endometrial cancers [2]. While there are limited treatment options available, targeted drugs and immunotherapy may be considered in some cases.

According to the search results, targeted drugs such as dostarlimab (Jemperli) and nivolumab (Opdivo) have been approved for the treatment of advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer [11][12]. Dostarlimab is specifically approved for use with chemotherapy to treat people with endometrial cancer that has spread or come back after earlier treatment [13].

Additionally, immunotherapy drugs may be used in combination with other treatments such as lenvatinib (Lenvima) for patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma [12]. However, it's essential to note that the decision to use these drugs is less straightforward and requires careful consideration of individual patient factors.

It's also worth noting that surgery is often the main treatment approach for most women with this cancer, but in some cases, a combination of treatments may be used [9].

References:

[2] Squamous cell (<1%). [11] Dostarlimab (Jemperli): Dostarlimab was recently approved for the treatment of endometrial cancer. It can treat advanced or recurrent dMMR endometrial cancer that has gotten worse after receiving carboplatin or cisplatin. [12] Nivolumab (Opdivo): Nivolumab may be used by itself to treat advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer that is dMMR/MSI-H. It ... [13] UPDATE: On July 31, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved dostarlimab (Jemperli) in combination with chemotherapy to treat people with endometrial cancer. The drug is approved for use with chemotherapy for newly diagnosed endometrial cancer that has spread or cancer that has come back after earlier treatment.

Differential Diagnosis of Endometrial Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Endometrial squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a rare type of cancer that affects the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. When diagnosing ESCC, it's essential to consider several differential diagnoses to rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

Primary Differential Diagnoses:

• Benign ciliary change: This condition can mimic the appearance of ESCC on histological examination (5). However, the distinction between benign ciliary change and ESCC is made by demonstrating stromal invasion in the latter (5).
• Endometrioid adenocarcinoma with squamous epithelial differentiation: In some cases, endometrioid adenocarcinomas can exhibit squamous differentiation, which may lead to a differential diagnosis with ESCC (8).

Other Differential Diagnoses:

• Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the endometrium: This is another rare type of cancer that affects the endometrium and must be considered in the differential diagnosis of ESCC (1).
• Squamous metaplastic change: Pathological examination may suggest squamous metaplastic change, which can be a differential diagnosis for ESCC (1).

Key Diagnostic Criteria:

To diagnose ESCC accurately, pathologists should consider the following diagnostic criteria:

• Absence of coexisting endometrial adenocarcinoma (4)
• Absence of stromal invasion (5)
• Presence of squamous epithelial differentiation (8)

By considering these differential diagnoses and diagnostic criteria, healthcare professionals can ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of ESCC.

References: (1) by M Caulkins · 2022 · Cited by 2 (4) by T Darré · 2019 · Cited by 11 (5) by SG Silverberg · 2000 · Cited by 278 (8) by Z Cai · 2023 · Cited by 1