Abstract

RUBIALES, A. S. et al. Extra-mammary signet-ring cell carcinoma after breast cancer: when are we dealing really with a second primary?. Oncología (Barc.) [online]. 2005, vol.28, n.9, pp.44-48. ISSN 0378-4835.

PURPOSE: The majority of breast cancers show areas of signet-ring cell differentiation. In addition, this cellular subtype may be present in the metastases even when it does not appear in the primary tumour. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report two patients treated for breast cancer developing signet-ring cell tumours of gastric and endocervical localization, respectively, that were initially considered as second primary tumours. RESULTS: In both cases, the immunohistochemical analysis of the signet-ring cells proved to be positive for hormone receptors, confirming them as breast cancer metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Ductal and lobular breast cancer may produce distant metastases with signet-ring cells. The presence of specific hormone receptors reaches almost 100% and represents a reliable differential diagnosis between breast cancer metastases and gastrointestinal signet-ring cell carcinomas.

Keywords : Breast cancer; Signet.ring cells; Hormone receptors.

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