Abstract

Background: Pancreatic squamous cell carcinoma is an exceptional disease. The pancreas is completely devoid of squamous cells, the development of squamous cell carcinoma at its level is controversial and of unknown origin. Squamous metaplasia of ductal cells has been observed in inflammatory episodes of pancreatic tissue. However, transformation to a squamous cell carcinoma remains exceptional. It is a very aggressive disease, most often locally advanced or metastatic at the time of diagnosis, and not very sensitive to the treatments offered.

Case Presentation: We describe here a case of a 64-year-old woman treated for a locally advanced pancreatic squamous cell carcinoma revealed by just diffuse abdominal pain. The diagnosis was confirmed by a peritoneal biopsy. She underwent palliative chemotherapy according to the protocol Capecitabine-Cisplatin, but the outcome was pejorative since she showed after 4 cures an enormous progression, preventing her from trying out another drug.

Conclusion: Due to the rarity of primary breast neuroendocrine tumors, no standard therapy exists.

We want to show through this case the pejorative prognosis of this rare tumor, and to motivate further prospective works in order to finally establish a better protocol to enhance our patients’ outcomes.

Keywords: Pancreas; Squamous cell Carcinoma; Metastasis; Prognosis