Pure Primary Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder: Atypical Case and Review of the Literature

Bladder adenocarcinoma is a rare histological subtype of bladder cancers, with variant subtypes including pure primary signet-ring cell carcinoma (PSRCC) which accounts for only 0.52% of all primary neoplasms of the bladder [1]. The first two cases were reported by Saphir [2]. A review of the literature reveals no more than 100 published cases. The prognosis for patients with SRC is poor, attributed to presentation at advanced stages. Diagnosis of bladder SRC can be challenging, both as it requires an extensive work-up to rule out more common metastatic adenocarcinomas, and comprehensive studies detailing the immunohistochemical profile of these tumors are understandably lacking [3]. Current treatment for this malignancy is often based on experiences gained from single institutional case series. Based on the aggressive natural history of PSRCC, treatment often features aggressive surgery in conjunction with chemotherapy and/ or radiotherapy [4]. We present one case of an atypical pure primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the bladder, and a brief review of the literature.