Gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma in a child: A clinical case study

Gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare form of gastric cancer characterized by mucus-rich tumor cells forming a distinctive ring-like appearance and is exceedingly rare in children, accounting for less than 1% of all childhood malignancies. We report a case of a 14-year-old patient who presented with melena, hematemesis, and syncope. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed an ulcerative mass located in the gastric cardia. Histopathological examination confirmed gastric adenocarcinoma demonstrating signet-ring cell features. The patient underwent laparoscopic-assisted radical proximal gastrectomy, esophagogastric anastomosis, abdominal drainage, and a D2 lymphadenectomy, which includes dissection of both perigastric and second-tier lymph nodes. The final diagnosis was SRCC of the stomach. Postoperative Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) staging was stage III (T3N0M0). Follow-up indicates that the patient remains in good health and has remained symptom-free for 5 years. Given the rarity of this malignancy and the limited number of pediatric case studies, there is an urgent need to accumulate additional clinical and immunohistochemical data to enhance understanding and improve diagnostic accuracy.