Primary adenosquamous carcinoma of the duodenum: A case report with literature review

Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) of the duodenum is a malignant tumor that combines adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma components. Case reports of ASC are rare, and our understanding of the complex clinicopathological features and treatment strategies for the disease remains incomplete. The current study presents a case of duodenal ASC and discusses the available literature on this rare condition. A 55-year-old male patient presented with a history of jaundice and fever, with pruritus and clay-colored stools. Preoperative investigations suggested an increase in transaminase, bilirubin and tumor markers. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen revealed a mass in the descending duodenum and another in the pancreatic region, without distant metastases. An endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract revealed an infiltrative growth mass invading the duodenal papilla in the descending part of the duodenum. The patient underwent a Whipple procedure. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations confirmed duodenal ASC. Although an R0 resection was performed, the patient developed hepatic metastases 2 months after surgery and succumbed 6 months post-surgery. This case underscores the aggressive nature of duodenal ASC and the need for further studies to develop effective treatment interventions.