Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma mimicking segmental Crohn's colitis

Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon is a rare entity with a dismal prognosis, mainly due to a delay in diagnosis. Here, we present a case of a 30-year-old Filipino woman who presented with symptoms mimicking inflammatory bowel disease. A barium enema and colonoscopy demonstrated a stricture in the rectosigmoid region. A biopsy revealed granulomatous changes indicative of inflammatory bowel disease. Despite initial improvement of her symptoms on total parenteral nutrition and steroids, the patient relapsed several weeks later with recurrent left lower quadrant pain. A subsequent biopsy revealed poorly differentiated signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon. She was treated surgically with a left hemi-colectomy and primary repair. A high degree of suspicion is necessary to correctly diagnose these, often young, patients with primary signet-ring cell carcinoma early and have a positive impact on survival. The literature on primary signet-ring cell carcinoma is reviewed.