Primary peritoneal serous carcinoma with signet ring cells
Yanru Hou1, Yi Li1, Danhua Shen2
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Gynecologic Oncology Case Reports
|December 28, 2013
Summary
Signet ring-like cells in ascites are rare in primary peritoneal serous tumors. Degeneration of tumor cells may cause cytoplasmic vacuoles, mimicking signet ring morphology in this unique case.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Cytology
Background:
- Primary peritoneal serous tumors are uncommon malignancies.
- Signet ring-like cells are typically associated with other tumor types, such as gastric adenocarcinoma.
- The presence of these cells in peritoneal fluid requires careful diagnostic evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of primary peritoneal serous tumor presenting with signet ring-like cells in ascites.
- To discuss the potential mechanisms behind the formation of these signet ring-like cells.
Main Methods:
- Case report.
- Ascitic fluid cytology analysis.
- Histopathological examination of tumor tissue.
Main Results:
- Ascitic fluid revealed numerous signet ring-like tumor cells.
- Primary peritoneal serous tumor was diagnosed.
- Tumor cell degeneration was hypothesized as the cause of cytoplasmic vacuole formation, leading to the signet ring appearance.
Conclusions:
- Signet ring-like cells in ascites can occur in primary peritoneal serous tumors.
- Tumor cell degeneration is a plausible explanation for this cytological finding.
- This case highlights the importance of considering unusual morphologies in peritoneal fluid cytology.
