Signet ring cell-like adenocarcinoma of the prostate

Signet ring cell carcinoma of the prostate, also prostatic signet ring cell carcinoma, is a rare aggressive form of prostate cancer.

General

• Very rare - 9 cases in a series of 29,783 prostate cancer cases.
• Criteria vary - percentage of SRCs required for Dx varies from 20% to 50%.

Microscopic

Features:

• Signet ring cells - see basics article.

DDx:

• Acinar adenocarcinoma - Gleason pattern 4 with very small glands.

Images

• Prostatic SRCC (nih.gov).
• Prostatic SRCC (nature.com).
• Prostatic SRCC (nature.com).
• Prostatic SRCC (webpathology.com) - looks like acinar adenocarcinoma.

Stains

• Alcian blue-PAS stain +ve.
• PAS -- 50% of cases +ve.
• Alcian blue -- 44% of cases +ve.

See also

• Prostate cancer.