Primary Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Stomach

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: A primary adenosquamous carcinoma of the stomach is relatively rare, accounting for only about 0.5% of all gastric cancers. However, its histopathologic characteristics are still unclear, and the most appropriate form of therapy has not been established yet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathologic features of 8 patients with pathologically confirmed primary adenosquamous carcinomas out of 8,268 patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery at Samsung Medical Center between September 1994 and December 2004. RESULTS: The median age of the 8 patients was 49 (41~69) years, and the male female ratio was 5 3. In 3 patients, the tumor was located at the mid body of the stomach, and in 5 patients, at the lower body or antrum. The tumor sizes were 2.5~8 cm. Seven patients showed metastases to the regional lymph nodes. The UICC stage distribution were 5 stage II, 2 stage III, and 1 stage IV. In the stage IV patient, a palliative gastrojejunostomy was performed, and he died 5 months after surgery. Of the 7 patients who underwent a radical gastrectomy and adjuvant chemotheratpy, the median survival was 34 (12~66) months, 2 patients died of cancer recurrence, and 4 patients are being followed up without evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: As for an adenocarcinoma of the stomach, a radical gastrectomy including regional lymph node dissection and postoperative adjuvant therapy should be performed for appropriate treatment of an adenosquamous carcinoma of the stomach.