Composite glandular-endocrine cell carcinoma of the stomach. Report of two cases with goblet cell carcinoid component

Pathol Res Pract. 2005;200(11-12):823-9. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2004.07.006.

Abstract

Composite glandular-endocrine cell carcinoma (CGECC) is recognized as a special type of gastric tumor composed of ordinary adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors. Goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) is a well-established type of appendiceal carcinoid, but the GCC component has not been well delineated in CGECC of the stomach. We report on two gastric CGECCs with a GCC component, analyzing the histologic components by immunohistochemistry. On initial biopsy, both cases were diagnosed as signet-ring cell carcinoma. However, the resected tumors consisted of three components: signet-ring cell carcinoma, GCC, and glandular adenocarcinoma. Although some signet-ring carcinoma cells and goblet carcinoid cells were indistinguishable by hematoxylin and eosin staining, E-cadherin immunostaining disclosed a definitive difference regarding the staining pattern in these cells. Both patients are well, with no recurrent tumor for about 10 years of follow-up. CGECC with a GCC component may have been confused with conventional adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cells. In cases of advanced signet-ring cell carcinoma with good prognosis, the possibility of such CGECC has to be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Cadherins / metabolism
  • Carcinoid Tumor / metabolism
  • Carcinoid Tumor / pathology*
  • Carcinoid Tumor / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary
  • Stomach Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Cadherins