[Signet ring cell cancer of the breast]

A rare case of mammary signet-cell carcinoma which was not diagnosed at life is described. In a woman of 28, an enlargement of the right uterine appendages with pleural and lung metastasis were clinically noted and this was interpreted as ovarian carcinoma with pleural and lung metastasis. Histological examination of ovarian tumour performed during the necropsy allowed one to suggest the metastatic signet-cell carcinoma. No tumours were found macroscopically or histologically in the organs of the alimentary canal. Fibro-cystic mastopathy and no nodes were found macroscopically in the mammary glands. Lobular invasive carcinoma consisting of signet-cell elements containing mucus and carcinomatous lymphangoitis were found histologically. Metastasis to the left axillary, perigastral and pancreatic lymph nodes, lungs, carcinomatosis of pleura were revealed. It is suggested, due to its clinical course and histological structure, to distinguish this form of carcinoma as a separate variety of the lobular invasive carcinoma of the mammary gland.