Micro-invasive squamous cell carcinoma of gastro-esophageal junction in a teenage female: A rare case report

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an aggressive malignancy more common in older age group. Post 1970’s with advent of endoscopy and the discovery of H. pylori bacteria and with it’s role in malignancy of esophagus and stomach, detection rate of squamous cell carcinoma esophagus has increased subsequently. In this case report we present a case of squamous cell carcinoma gastroesophageal (GE) junction in a 15 years old female owing to its rarity in younger age. The patient presented in the surgery OPD with history of weight loss and dysphagia since the last 5 months. She also complained of epigastric pain and heartburn since the last 2 months. There was no past history of carcinoma of GIT in any family members. Upper GI endoscopy showed an exophytic growth at the GE junction. Histopathological examination of subsequent GE biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma while the stomach showed features of chronic atrophic gastritis. The patient underwent resection of GE junction through thoraco-abdominal approach followed by radiotherapy for any residual tumour. Our patient is doing well after 3 months post op follow up. This case report emphasises the rare occurrence of SCC in a teenage female with no family history and to consider it in the differential diagnosis in younger patients with similar complaints. Keywords: Endoscopy, Gastroesophageal junction, Squamous cell carcinoma, Teenage female.