Korean J Dermatol.  2006 May;44(5):601-604.

Multiple Cutaneous Edema and Infiltration of Signet-ring Cells in the Lymphatics as an Initial Manifestation of Metastatic Gastric Adenocarcinoma

• Kwon OE
• Ku BS
• Kim DC
• Lee CW
• Kim KH

Abstract

Signet-ring cells are cells in which the nucleus is crescentically compressed with a cellular border, so that the cell looks like a signet-ring. Many cutaneous signet-ring cell neoplasms originate from the stomach, lung and breast, and these appear to be the most common sites of origin. In skin, the appearance of signet-ring cells within a neoplasm can indicate metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach, lung and breast. Thus, the primary origin and other metastatic sites should be evaluated. A 44-year-old man presented with a six month history of cutaneous swelling on the left axillary and left supraclavicular area. Histopathologic findings of the axillary lesion showed signet-ring cells in the lymphatics. These clustered cells were PAS-positive, diastase-resistant, and stained with colloidal iron and CEA. During the work-up study to find the primary origin, we discovered advanced gastric cancer and multiple lymph node metastases.

Keyword

Metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma; Signet-ring cell

MeSH Terms

Adenocarcinoma*
Adult
Breast
Colloids
Edema*
Humans
Iron
Lung
Lymph Nodes
Neoplasm Metastasis
Skin
Stomach
Stomach Neoplasms
Colloids
Iron