Signet ring cell

In histology, a signet ring cell is a malignant cell type seen predominantly in carcinomas. Signet ring cells are most frequently associated with stomach cancer, but can arise from any number of tissues including the prostate, bladder, gallbladder, breast, colon, ovarian stroma and testis.

Appearance

The name of the cell comes from its appearance; signet ring cells resemble signet rings. They contain a large amount of mucin, which pushes the nucleus to the cell periphery. The pool of mucin in a signet ring cell mimics the appearance of a finger hole and the nucleus mimics the appearance of the face of the ring in profile.

Diagnostic significance

A significant number of signet ring cells, generally, are associated with a worse prognosis.

Classification

SRC carcinomas can be classified using immunohistochemistry.

References

External links

• Signet ring cells - med.utah.edu.
• Pictures of a signet ring - engravingart.com.
• Signet ring cell definition - cancer.gov.