AB159. 27. Evidence for the optimisation of diagnosis and management of signet ring cell carcinoma of the colon: a case report and review of literature

Background: Signet ring cell carcinoma of the colon is uncommon, making up less than 1% of colorectal cancers. This aggressive variant of colorectal cancer is typically advanced at presentation. Five-year survival can be as poor as 21% (±8%), compared to 67% (±1%) in adenocarcinoma. Despite being first reported on in 1951, the amount of clinical research that has been carried out on this entity is limited.

Methods: Here we report a case of an 88-year-old male who presented with signet ring cell carcinoma of the colon and underwent primary surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. This is followed by a comprehensive review of available literature.

Results: This patient recovered well after primary surgery with R0 resection and adjuvant chemotherapy and was disease free at the time of writing. The literature review highlights the poor prognosis and high recurrence seen in signet ring cell carcinoma as well as factors that contribute to these qualities. While there is evidence that survival is improved in cases that are recognised early, it highlights the lack of clinical guidelines to aid early diagnosis and optimal management.

Conclusions: More research into this uncommon clinical condition would be beneficial, as would the creation of evidence-based clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and management of this condition.

Keywords: Signet-cell; colon; cancer; management