SIGNET-RING CELL-DIFFERENTIATION IN ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE PROSTATE - A STUDY OF 5 CASES

Signet ring cell differentiation in adenocarcinoma of the prostate is uncommon. In a review of 200 cases of prostatic carcinoma, we identifi ed five cases with this change, all in moderately to poorly differenti ated prostatic carcinomas. The signet ring cells in prostatic carcinom a contain an intracytoplasmic lumen, shown on electronmicroscopy to be lined by microvilli. Transition stages were seen from solid to acinar to signet ring cells to mucinous variants. We believe that this chang e is part of the spectrum of appearances of prostatic carcinoma and sh ould not be regarded as a subtype of specific significance.