Metastatic signet-ring cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin

Signet-Ring Cutaneous Metastasis Presenting with Huge Bunches of Grapes

Signet-ring cell (SRC) is a histologic type in which cells show unique features under the microscope. We mainly found signet-ring cells (SRCs) in gastrointestinal and breast tumors. Cutaneous metastasis from internal carcinomas was an uncommon presentation. The cases of signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) metastasis to the skin were rarely reported. Cutaneous metastasis indicated a poor prognosis for a patient. Here, we report a female who had huge grape-like nodules arising from gastrointestinal SRCC in her trunk and thigh.

Signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma of unknown primary presenting with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome: rare type of cancer

A 53-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of progressive, non-productive cough followed by occasional swelling of the face and upper extremities. Physical examination on admission revealed prominent superficial vessels at the neck and upper extremity swelling. Bronchoscopy revealed the superior segment of the right lower lobe was narrow but without visible mass; cell block and biopsy done revealed signet-ring cell carcinoma with an immunohistochemistry pattern favouring the primary site of malignancy as either gastric or of the pancreaticobiliary tree. However, CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with triple contrast revealed only slight gastric wall thickening; the pancreas was unremarkable. The patient underwent radiotherapy with noted improvement of symptoms. He was then discharged with plans for further work-up on an outpatient basis. This work highlights the importance of a comprehensive histopathological and immunohistochemical work-up which can help predict a site of origin to be able to provide the appropriate management.

Chemotherapy is associated with increased survival from colorectal signet ring cell carcinoma with distant metastasis: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database analysis

Background

Colorectal signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare histological subtype of colorectal adenocarcinoma with high metastatic frequency compared to non‐SRCC colorectal cancer (NOS). The aim of this study was to analyze prognostic factors of colorectal SRCC with different metastatic sites and evaluate impacts of various therapies for metastatic colorectal SRCC.

Methods

Patients with NOS and SRCC were from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database during 2010‐2014. χ² tests were used to compare data significance. Kaplan‐Meier and COX models were used to analyze the differences in the survival. Propensity‐matched analyses were used to adjust numerical differences.

Results

Among the 173 460 patients, 1932 (1.11%) patients had colorectal SRCC. In univariate analysis, older age, male sex, and peritoneum metastasis were associated with higher mortality risk. The peritoneum was both the site with the highest metastatic frequency and the site with the worst prognosis in SRCC. In the COX regression model, peritoneum‐metastatic SRCC patients receiving chemotherapy had better survival than patients treated with surgery.

Conclusions

Our study analyzed the unique metastatic pattern of colorectal SRCC toward different sites and found that compared to surgery, chemotherapy was associated with better survival for colorectal SRCC patients with distant metastasis, which provided insights for future SRCC patient treatment.

Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Origin Detected Incidentally by Lymph Node Purification for Thyroid Carcinoma

A 63-year-old woman underwent thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid adenocarcinoma and cervical lymph node resection. Pathological analyses revealed the presence of signet cell carcinoma in a resected lymph node, which were apparently different from the pathological findings of thyroid carcinoma. No evidence of a primary tumor could be found elsewhere despite detailed examinations, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, CT scan, and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography. Two and half years later, the patient developed multiple bone metastases and the pathological findings confirmed the presence of signet cell carcinoma. The primary origin remained undetermined. Metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin is extremely rare.

Metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin: a case report and review of the literature

In spite of the increasingly sophisticated diagnostic workup, detailed investigations fail to reveal a primary site of origin for about 3-5% of metastatic tumors. The most commonly reported subtype in cancer of unknown primary origin is adenocarcinoma. Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare poorly differentiated aggressive subtype of adenocarcinoma that most commonly arise from the gastrointestinal tract. It usually presents late and is associated with poor prognosis. Treatment options remain limited to anecdotal reports. However, immunohistochemical studies can be useful in suggesting an origin and therefore may help guide investigations and treatment options. Here we present an unusual case of metastatic SRCC of unknown primary origin presenting as peritoneal carcinomatosis in a 73-year-old man. We also review the literature on metastatic SRCC of unknown primary origin and discuss the relevant findings. This work highlights the importance of collaboration between clinicians and pathologists as well as detailed histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular analyses which can help guide investigations and management options.