Singh Mitali, Mane Vaibhav
Pathology, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Medical College and Hospital, Sangli, IND.
Cureus. 2025 May 3;17(5):e83405. doi: 10.7759/cureus.83405. eCollection 2025 May.
Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) of the rectum is an infrequent and highly malignant subtype of colorectal cancer. Representing a small fraction of all colorectal carcinomas, SRCC is characterised by its aggressive clinical course, delayed presentation, and poor prognosis. The diagnosis is often established at advanced stages due to its insidious onset and nonspecific symptoms. We present a rare case of a middle-aged female with primary rectal SRCC who initially presented with symptoms suggestive of anaemia and urinary abnormalities. Laboratory investigations revealed microcytic anaemia, positive stool occult blood, and significant proteinuria. Radiological imaging and histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of poorly differentiated signet ring cell adenocarcinoma of the rectum, with extensive metastatic spread to the uterus, mesentery, liver, and para-aortic lymph nodes. This case underscores the diagnostic complexity of rectal SRCC due to its atypical presentation and rapid progression. It emphasises the necessity for a high index of clinical suspicion, even in the absence of overt gastrointestinal symptoms, and advocates for a comprehensive diagnostic workup including advanced imaging and histological evaluation to facilitate early detection and timely intervention.
直肠印戒细胞癌(SRCC)是一种罕见且高度恶性的结直肠癌亚型。SRCC在所有结直肠癌中所占比例较小,其特点是临床病程侵袭性强、就诊延迟且预后较差。由于其起病隐匿且症状不具特异性,诊断往往在疾病晚期才能确立。我们报告一例罕见的中年女性原发性直肠SRCC病例,该患者最初表现出提示贫血和泌尿系统异常的症状。实验室检查显示小细胞性贫血、粪便潜血阳性和大量蛋白尿。影像学检查和组织病理学检查确诊为直肠低分化印戒细胞腺癌,已广泛转移至子宫、肠系膜、肝脏和腹主动脉旁淋巴结。该病例凸显了直肠SRCC因其非典型表现和快速进展所导致的诊断复杂性。它强调即使在没有明显胃肠道症状的情况下,也需要保持高度的临床怀疑,并提倡进行包括先进影像学检查和组织学评估在内的全面诊断检查,以促进早期发现和及时干预。