Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is a rare cancer that can develop in the digestive and upper respiratory tracts, often in males in their 60s. It spreads rapidly and can be found in the tongue, mouth, esophagus, nose, and sinus passages. Treatment usually involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Prognosis depends on the tumor’s size, location, and metastases.
Basoid squamous cell carcinoma, or BSCC, is a rare cancer most often found in the digestive and upper respiratory tracts. These types of cancer can develop in both sexes at any age, but the condition appears to be more predominant in males in their 60s. Once properly diagnosed, oncologists generally prefer aggressive forms of carcinoma treatment, as basaloid squamous cell carcinoma produces rapid abnormal cell growth.
The tongue is often the site where basaloid squamous cell carcinoma develops, but tumors can form anywhere within the mouth and esophagus. Oncologists have also noted the formation of BSCC on the nose and in the sinus passages. The cancer spreads rapidly to the cervical lymph nodes in 64% of cases, and nearly half of diagnosed patients have metastases elsewhere in the body, including the lungs, liver, and genitourinary system. Individuals usually do not notice the growing mass until it reaches an advanced size, measuring one to six centimeters, and causes discomfort or obstruction.
When examined under a microscope, tissue samples show both basal and squamous cells. Both cell types must be present for a definitive diagnosis. Basal cells appear as oval, polyhedral, or round shapes in rosette, ribbon, or rod formations. A border of hyperplastic squamous cells usually surrounds these areas, although squamous epithelial cells may infiltrate the basal cell formation. There may be cyst formations filled with blood, fluid, or fibrous tissue between the cells.
Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma can also exhibit cell necrosis and tissue ulceration. In metastatic tumors, basal cell, squamous cell, or both types may be found. In addition to biopsy and microscopic analysis, oncologists also differentiate basaloid squamous cell carcinoma from hyperplastic squamous cell tumors by monitoring the levels of certain chemicals, including P-53 and Ki-67 proteins. P-53 works to suppress tumor formation. High levels of this protein are usually present in mutated forms when tumors develop.
Ki-67, a carcinogenic protein antigen, is usually present when cells proliferate abnormally, as is the case with cancerous tumors. In addition to recognizing the tumor, doctors also monitor the amounts of these chemicals during various stages of treatment as a means of measuring progress. Because complications of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma involve rapid metastases, oncologists typically prefer surgery as the primary treatment choice. Radiation treatments commonly follow surgery, and doctors may choose to use chemotherapy. The patient’s prognosis depends on the size and location of the tumor, possible metastases, and the individual’s overall health.
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