Metastatic signet-ring carcinoma to the uterus presenting as an endometrial polyp

Abstract

Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the uterus is rare and requires exclusion of possible metastatic tumour to the uterus. We report a case of a woman in her 70s who underwent hysteroscopy and a polypectomy for a polyp arising from the uterine wall. On histological examination, malignant cells with signet-ring cell morphology were found within the fragments of endometrial tissue. Immunohistochemical studies indicated a metastatic adenocarcinoma possibly from the gastrointestinal tract. Additional radiological investigations revealed a possible primary gastric tumour, which was further confirmed on subsequent biopsies. This case illustrates that gastric carcinomas can rarely metastasise to the endometrium and highlights the importance of clinical correlation in arriving at the final diagnosis.