When the metastatic tumor presents as a primary tumor: Gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma presenting as advanced cervical cancer with ovarian metastasis

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the second most common malignancy of the lower part of the female genital tract. Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) of the ovary is rare and is most commonly metastatic from a primary lesion. Discerning between primary and metastatic SRCC of the ovary or cervix may be difficult. SRCC of the cervix is also a rare type of cervical carcinoma, and just like in the ovary, it is usually metastatic from a primary gastric tumor. Presented here is a case of a 37-year-old nulligravid, who presented with an increase in abdominal girth with associated abdominal pain. The initial impression was ovarian new growth, probably malignant, and cervical mass, probably malignant. On laparotomy, intraoperative impression was cervical with ovarian malignant tumor, primary unknown versus double primary. Histopathology revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma, right ovary, cervical stroma, omentum, and umbilical mass with anterior abdominal mass. Peritoneal fluid was positive for malignant cells. Clinical correlation, further workup, and immunohistochemical stains for CK7, CK19, CK20, and CDX2 were recommended. All immunohistochemical results tested positive in tumor cells and were noted to be consistent with metastatic carcinoma of gastric versus pancreatic primary. Further workup was done, and the biopsy from the esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet-ring features, antral mucosa.