From the anal canal to the pancreas: diagnostic challenges of radiologic surveillance in detecting rare but potentially curable metastases – a case report
Pancreatic metastases from anal canal squamous cell carcinoma are exceptionally rare and require vigilant long‑term surveillance and multidisciplinary management.
Pancreatic metastases from anal canal squamous cell carcinoma are exceptionally rare. We report the second documented case, describing the challenges in diagnosis and treatment. A 64‑year‑old woman with locally advanced anal SCC received definitive chemoradiotherapy; a small pancreatic lesion was initially overlooked in surveillance imaging. One and a half years later, a 5‑cm pancreatic mass was identified; endoscopic ultrasound‑guided biopsy confirmed metastatic SCC. The lesion was inoperable; systemic chemotherapy induced partial remission, followed by stereotactic body radiotherapy. Subsequent pulmonary metastases were managed with second‑line chemotherapy. The case underscores the importance of vigilant, long‑term surveillance and multidisciplinary management to detect atypical metastatic sites such as the pancreas.
This case demonstrates that pancreatic metastasis can occur from anal SCC, a rare event that may be missed in routine imaging. Early identification through vigilant surveillance and prompt histopathologic confirmation enables timely, potentially curative treatment and may improve clinical outcomes.
Bizonyítékszint: Klinikai vizsgálat. Formális klinikai vizsgálati eredmény.
Kapcsolódó jelek
- Clinical Outcomes, Patterns of Failure, and Salvage Therapies of a Large Modern Cohort of Patients With Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated With Definitive-Intent Intensity‑Modulated Radiation Therapy
- Treatment of Anal High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions to Prevent Anal Cancer
- Advancements in Immunotherapy for Anal Cancer Treatment
- Background and Current Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus
- Genotyping and Cytology Co-Testing for Anal Cancer Screening: Exploratory Evaluation of Cumulative HPV Genotype Burden