Adenosquamous carcinoma of the jejunum

Primary adenosquamous carcinomas of the intestine are rare, particularly in the small intestine. One case, in the jejunum of an adult female, is described here. The patient was a 70-year-old Japanese woman presenting with upper abdominal pain. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a mass in the small intestine, measuring 86 x 44 mm, and a double-contrast barium study revealed a filling defect in the upper jejunum. The patient was diagnosed as suffering from upper small-intestinal cancer, and surgical excision was performed. Histological examination, including immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, revealed the tumor to have both malignant glandular and squamous components. A review of the literature regarding this type of lesion is presented.