Signet Cell Tumors

A signet cell tumor is an abnormal growth, or cancer, among the signet cells of the body. It is sometimes also called signet ring cell cancer because these cells resemble signet rings. It is a rare but aggressive type of cancer.

Signet Cells

• Signet cells are a type of glandular cell, found in the epithelial, or skin, tissue of the body. This type of tissue exists both on the outside and the inside of the body, and so this type of cancer can be found anywhere in or on the body.

Common Locations

• Signet cell tumors are usually found in the glandular cells that line the stomach. Less frequently, this cancer is found in the bowel, breast, pancreas, bladder, prostate or lung.

Types

• Cancers are named according to their location in the body, so if this type of tumor appeared in the epithelial tissue lining the breast, it would be called "signet cell breast cancer."

Identification

• Because signet cell cancer is a cancer of glandular cells (cells with secretory properties), it is considered an adenocarcinoma, "adeno" being a prefix meaning "gland." This type of cancer may not only metastasize, or spread, but also destroy the tissue that surrounds it.

Diagnosis

• Symptoms of this disease will depend on the organ being affected by it. If an existing tumor is small, it may be hard to detect. Diagnosis of signet cell cancer will depend primarily on a biopsy of whatever tumors are found.

Treatment

• Treatment will depend on the location of the cancer in the body, but it will usually include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.