Squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum

Squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum (also called rectal squamous cell carcinoma or SCC of the rectum) is a very rare type of cancer that starts in the rectum — the last section of the large intestine, just before the anus. Unlike the much more common rectal adenocarcinoma, which grows from gland cells, this cancer grows from flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells. These cells are not normally found in the rectum in large numbers, which is part of why this cancer is so unusual. The cancer can cause symptoms similar to other rectal cancers, including rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or rectum, and a feeling that the bowel does not fully empty. Because it is so rare, it is often mistaken for more common rectal cancers or for anal squamous cell carcinoma, which can delay diagnosis. Treatment usually involves a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy (called chemoradiation), sometimes followed by surgery to remove the tumor. The approach is often borrowed from treatment strategies used for anal squamous cell carcinoma, since both share the same cell type. Early detection gives the best chance of successful treatment, but because this cancer is so rare, there are no large clinical trials specifically designed for it, and treatment decisions are often made on a case-by-case basis.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What stage is my cancer, and has it spread beyond the rectum?,Should my tumor be tested for HPV or other markers that might affect my treatment?,Is chemoradiation the right first step for me, or should surgery be considered?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for given how rare this cancer is?,What are the chances that treatment will result in complete remission?,Should I be referred to a major cancer center that specializes in rare gastrointestinal cancers?,What long-term side effects should I expect from treatment, and how can they be managed?

Common questions about Squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum