Exaggerated signet-ring cell change in stromal nodule of prostate: a pseudoneoplastic proliferation

A stromal nodule of the prostate was incidentally identified in a simple prostatectomy specimen from a 66-year-old man with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Microscopically, the nodule consisted of short spindly cells with bland nuclear features. Many of the cells in the nodule, however, contained a large, clear cytoplasmic vacuole that displaced and indented the nucleus, generating signet-ring cell morphology. Immunohistochemically, these cells were strongly positive for vimentin and weakly positive for desmin, suggesting a myofibroblastic nature. Further immunostains demonstrated the cells to be negative for cytokeratins and prostate-specific antigen, excluding the possibility of signet-ring cell carcinoma. The cytoplasmic vacuoles also stained negative for mucin production. Electron microscopy revealed no intracytoplasmic lumina. Notably, thermal effect or other signs of cellular injury, frequently associated with signet-ring cell change seen in prostate specimens obtained by transurethral resection and needle biopsy, were not appreciated in this stromal nodule. This case demonstrates that signet-ring cell change may occur in benign, hyperplastic, prostatic stromal cells in the absence of cellular damage.