Scirrhous argyrophil cell carcinoma of the stomach with multiple production of polypeptide hormones, amine, CEA, lysozyme, and HCG.

Sixteen argyrophil cell carcinomas in 59 gastric scirrhous carcinomas were examined histologically, ultrastructurally, and immunohistochemically for polypeptide hormones, CEA, lysozyme, and HCG. In nine of these 16 tumors, polypeptides such as gastrin, somatostatin, and glucagon were demonstrated. Six of these nine tumors contained all three hormones, and three of these six tumors also had argentaffin cells. In all of these 16 tumors CEA were observed. Eight of them had CEA, lysozyme, and acid mucin synchronously. Of the above six tumors containing three peptides, three produced focal HCG. Ultrastructurally, several types of secretory granules were noted. Histologically, these 16 tumors showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas or signet ring cell carcinomas. Macroscopically, generalized type was 11 and localized type five. No hormonal syndrome was detected in any of the patients. It was suggested that these scirrhous argyrophil cell carcinomas of the stomach with the multifunction originate from totipotent immature cells of endodermal origin.