COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCE INFORMATION

SMALL CELL CANCER OF THE LARGE INTESTINE

DESCRIPTION

Small Cell Cancer of the Large Intestine is an aggressive (fast-growing) cancer that forms in tissues of the intestine and can spread to other parts of the body. The cancer cells look small and oval-shaped when looked at under a microscope. Small cell carcinoma of the large intestine represents .2% to .8% of all colorectal malignancies. General symptoms may include: change in bowel habits, abdominal pain and weight loss.

ALTERNATE NAMES

Cancer of the Colon, Colorectal Small Cell Cancer, Small Cell Carcinoma of the Large Intestine

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND CODING

The diagnosis of colorectal small cell carcinoma is confirmed by pathology and the use of immunohistochemistry. Specific staining for CD56, pancytokeratin, LMWK, CK 7 and 19 are usually positive in small cell malignancies. Early diagnosis depends on routine screening. Occult blood study, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, CT scan, endoscopy are used.

TREATMENT

Treatment for colorectal small cell carcinoma is the use of combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy as is used in small cell carcinoma of the lung.

PROGRESSION

Survival rates are poor, usually less than 2 years.

SUGGESTED PROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT*

Suggested MER for Evaluation: The diagnosis of small cell carcinoma of the large intestine is a pathologic diagnosis which would be confirmed by a pathology report of colonoscopy specimen.

Suggested Listings for Evaluation:

DETERMINATION

LISTING

REMARKS

Meets Listing

13.18

Medical Equals

* Adjudicators may, at their discretion, use the Medical Evidence of Record or Listings suggested to evaluate the claim. However, the decision to allow or deny the claim rests with the adjudicator.