Adenosquamous carcinoma


Adenosquamous carcinoma is a type of cancer that contains two different kinds of tumour cells: glandular cells and squamous cells. Glandular cells normally produce and release substances such as mucus or enzymes, while squamous cells form the flat surface layers of the skin and line many internal organs.

Because it contains both cell types, adenosquamous carcinoma shares features with two other cancers:

Where does adenosquamous carcinoma develop?

Adenosquamous carcinoma can develop in many organs. It is most often found in the stomach, esophagus, pancreas, lungs, skin, cervix, and bladder.

What are the symptoms of adenosquamous carcinoma?

The symptoms depend on where the tumour is located and how big it is.

Common symptoms of adenosquamous carcinoma include:

  • Pain or discomfort in the affected area.

  • A lump or mass that can be felt or seen.

  • Unexplained weight loss or fatigue.

  • Difficulty swallowing if the esophagus is involved.

  • Skin changes such as new growths or unusual lesions if the skin is affected.

  • Persistent cough or shortness of breath if the lungs are affected.

  • Changes in urination or bowel habits if the bladder or gastrointestinal tract is involved.

If you have ongoing or unusual symptoms, it is important to see your doctor.

What causes adenosquamous carcinoma?

The exact cause is not known, but certain risk factors increase the chance of developing this cancer. These include:

  • Smoking, particularly linked to cancers of the lungs and esophagus.

  • Exposure to harmful chemicals, either at work or in the environment.

  • Chronic inflammation or irritation, such as in the stomach or bladder.

  • Previous radiation therapy, which can slightly increase cancer risk.

  • Certain viruses, especially human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to cervical cancer.

  • Genetic factors, which may make some people more likely to develop this type of cancer.

How is adenosquamous carcinoma diagnosed?

Adenosquamous carcinoma is diagnosed by examining a sample of tissue under the microscope. This sample is usually obtained through a biopsy or surgery. A pathologist looks for both glandular and squamous cells within the same tumour.

Sometimes additional tests are needed, such as immunohistochemistry, which uses special stains to highlight proteins in the tumour cells, and molecular tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possibilities.

What does adenosquamous carcinoma look like under the microscope?

Under the microscope, adenosquamous carcinoma shows a mixture of:

Pathologists may also see mucin, a slippery substance made by glandular cells. Mucin can be stored inside the cells or found in the tissue around them. Finding both squamous and glandular cells is necessary to diagnose adenosquamous carcinoma.

How do pathologists grade adenosquamous carcinoma?

Grading describes how abnormal the tumour cells look compared to normal cells. It helps predict how quickly the cancer might grow and spread:

  • Well differentiated (low grade): Tumour cells look somewhat like normal glandular and squamous cells and tend to grow more slowly.

  • Moderately differentiated (intermediate grade): Cells have some normal features but also show abnormal changes.

  • Poorly differentiated (high grade): Cells look very abnormal and tend to grow quickly.

  • Undifferentiated (high grade): Cells look nothing like normal cells and are very aggressive.

The grading system used can vary depending on the tumour’s location. Your pathology report will state the grade.

What is the prognosis for adenosquamous carcinoma?

Adenosquamous carcinoma is usually considered an aggressive cancer. The prognosis depends on several factors, including the location of the tumour, its size, and whether it has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. In many cases, the glandular (adenocarcinoma) part of the tumour is more likely to spread to distant sites than the squamous part. Because of this aggressive behaviour, early diagnosis and treatment are important to improve outcomes.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Where in my body was the adenosquamous carcinoma found?

  • What grade is my tumour, and what does that mean for how it may behave?

  • Has the cancer spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body?

  • What treatment options are recommended for me?

  • How does this diagnosis affect my prognosis?

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