Signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon 7mm in size with peritonitis carcinomatosa

J Gastroenterol. 2002;37(7):550-5. doi: 10.1007/s005350200085.

Abstract

A 72-year-old woman was admitted with a complaint of a sensation of abdominal fullness. Cytologic examination of ascites revealed many poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma cells. Barium enema study and colonoscopy revealed IIa+IIc-type carcinoma of the descending colon. Endoscopic mucosal resection was performed to determine the histological type and the depth of invasion. The resected tumor was 7 x 6 mm in size, and an amorphous pit pattern was observed in the depressed area by stereomicroscopy. Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cells had diffusely infiltrated into the deeper part of the submucosal layer. Immunohistochemical findings showed this tumor to have mucin derived from gastric foveolar epithelium, suggesting that the signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon showed gastric differentiation. Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon and rectum is a rare form of adenocarcinoma of the large intestine and shows more malignant biological behavior than ordinary colorectal carcinoma. Early diagnosis and curative operation are important.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell* / surgery
  • Colon / pathology
  • Colonic Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Colonic Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms* / surgery