Squamous-Cell Carcinoma Developing After an Ileoanal Pouch Procedure: Report of a Case

PURPOSE This study was designed to report a new variant of a rare but serious complication of restorative proctocolectomy. METHODS We present a 47-year-old female who underwent restorative proctocolectomy after 16 years of disease. Twenty-five years after her pouch procedure, she underwent pouchoscopy for fever and poor pouch function. A suspicious mass was biopsied and pathology indicated squamous metaplasia. On referral, a mass could be palpated above the anorectal ring. Biopsy of the mass was read as invasive squamous carcinoma in the background of normal intestinal mucosa. This represents the twelfth reported case of carcinoma arising in a pouch, but the first report of a squamous carcinoma, as all previous reports had been of adenocarcinoma. RESULTS The patient has undergone chemoradiation. Response to therapy, functional status, and biopsy after treatment will determine whether the patient will be able to salvage the pouch. CONCLUSIONS Diligence and vigilance with regard to active follow-up, and a high index of suspicion, are required to prevent this from becoming a more frequently seen problem.