 |
Case Report
Concomitant anal and rectal squamous cell carcinoma: A case report
1 Department of Internal Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
2 Department of Internal Medicine, Baroda Medical College, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
3 Department of Gastroenterology, LifeBridge Health, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Address correspondence to:
Ritvik Sehdev
Department of Internal Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka,
India
Message to Corresponding Author
Article ID: 100154Z10RS2026
Access full text article on other devices
Access PDF of article on other devices
How to cite this article
Sehdev R, Rana P, Shaikh T. Concomitant anal and rectal squamous cell carcinoma: A case report. J Case Rep Images Oncology 2026;12(1):9–13.ABSTRACT
Introduction: Synchronous squamous neoplasms of the anal canal and rectum are exceedingly rare and pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The presence of squamous pathology in the anorectal region necessitates careful evaluation to distinguish between primary lesions, contiguous spread, and metastatic disease.
Case Report: We report a case of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated squamous cell carcinoma that initially presented as a rectal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a locally advanced rectal mass with involvement of the mesorectal fascia and regional lymph nodes. Subsequent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) confirmed the extent of rectal disease and additionally identified a previously unrecognized, spatially distinct lesion in the anal canal. Biopsy of the anal lesion revealed HSIL with diffuse p16 positivity, supporting HPV-associated pathology.
Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of anorectal squamous lesions and underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluation of both the rectum and anal canal when squamous pathology is identified at either site. Early recognition of synchronous lesions is critical for accurate staging and optimal management.
Keywords: Anal cancer, Endoscopic ultrasound, Human papillomavirus, Rectal cancer, Squamous cell carcinoma
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Acknowledgments
Artificial intelligence (AI) use in the article:
The authors disclose the use of generative artificial intelligence technology (ChatGPT, GPT-5.2 model, OpenAI; https://www.openai.com) solely for language refinement and editorial assistance in the Case Report, Discussion, and Conclusion sections of the manuscript. The AI tool was used to improve the clarity and readability of the text. No content was generated autonomously, and all clinical information, interpretations, and conclusions were written, reviewed, and approved by the authors, who take full responsibility for the manuscript.
Ritvik Sehdev - Substantial contributions to conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis of data, Interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Preya Rana - Substantial contributions to conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis of data, Interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Tahir Shaikh - Substantial contributions to conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis of data, Interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Guaranter of SubmissionThe corresponding author is the guarantor of submission.
Source of SupportNone
Consent StatementWritten informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this article.
Data AvailabilityAll relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.
Conflict of InterestAuthors declare no conflict of interest.
Copyright© 2026 Ritvik Sehdev et al. This article is distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium provided the original author(s) and original publisher are properly credited. Please see the copyright policy on the journal website for more information.
