Goblet cell carcinoid of the rectum with lymph node metastasis: report of a case

We report an unusual case of goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) of the rectum. A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with anal bleeding, and a hard tumor was felt on the anterior wall of the lower rectum during rectal examination. We performed colonoscopy, and found a 30-mm type 2 tumor in the lower rectum and anal canal. Histological examination of biopsies revealed rectal adenocarcinoma. Based on these findings, we diagnosed rectal adenocarcinoma and performed Miles' operation with lymph node dissection. Histological examination revealed an invasive lesion composed of signet-ring-like cells. Seven regional lymph node metastases were seen microscopically. The tumor produced copious mucin, which was stained with Alcian blue. Immunohistochemistry was positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin A, CD56, carcinoembryonic antigen, p53, Ki-67, E-cadherin, and cytokeratin 20. The final diagnosis was GCC of the rectum.