Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the cervix: A case report with review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: Primary cervical signet ring cell carcinoma (PCSRCC) is extremely rare. In this paper, we describe a case presenting with PCSRCC. Case report: The 48-year-old woman visited the gynecological department because of postmenopausal bleeding. A cervical mass was discovered through pelvic examination, and the biopsy results indicated a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with a signet ring cell pattern. Colonoscopy revealed external compression of the rectum without intraluminal mucosal lesions. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a suspicious malignant lesion at the cervicorectal junction and multiple metastases. Debulking surgery was performed and the final pathology report documented a FIGO stage IVb PCSRCC involving multiple sites. Conclusion: Complete tumor survey and staging are critical to differentiate primary from metastatic signet cell carcinoma of the cervix. Immunohistochemical studies cannot provide precise information. Because cases are rare, it is difficult to determine the proper treatment guidelines and prognosis. Keywords: Cervical cancer, Signet ring cell carcinoma, Immunohistochemical studies