Breast Metastasis of Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Breast metastasis from gastric signet ring cell carcinoma is extremely rare in clinical practice. The estimated incidence is 0.5–1.3%. There are few cases reported in the literature (approx. less than 60) of breast metastasis from gastric signet ring cell carcinoma, and due to the rare association between gastric cancer and its extension to the breast, it is difficult to establish the diagnosis. Clinical history, histological findings, and immunohistochemical markers are helpful in distinguishing primary breast cancer from breast metastasis of gastric cancer. The treatment for breast metastasis from gastric carcinoma remains controversial. The prognosis of breast metastasis from gastric carcinoma is generally poor. We report a case of breast metastasis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma in a 38-year-old woman. She started chemotherapy with ramucirumab, paclitaxel, and irinotecan. Three months later, a combined 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed a complete response. This is the first reported case of breast metastasis from gastric signet ring cell carcinoma with a complete response.

Keywords

• breast metastasis
• signet ring cell
• gastric carcinoma
• chemotherapy