Aspiration cytology of signet-ring cell lymphoma. A case report.
BACKGROUND
Signet-ring cell lymphoma is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, composed of vacuolated cells with a signet-ring cell appearance. We found only two cases that had been reported as diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy.


METHODS
A 61-year-old female had signet-ring cell lymphoma diagnosed by computed tomography-guided aspiration biopsy. Smears of aspirates from her retroperitoneal mass contained a population of small to medium-sized, angular lymphoid cells; lymphoglandular bodies; and an abundance of signet-ring cells. The signet-ring cells were negative for cytokeratin and positive for leukocyte common antigen and CD20, a B-cell marker. Monoclonality for lambda light chain determinant was noted, and a diagnosis of signet-ring cell lymphoma of the B-cell type was made. A core biopsy specimen confirmed the diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Signet-ring cell lymphoma should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of tumors composed of signet-ring cells.
Cangiarella
J
J
Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA.
Weg
N
N
Symmans
W F
WF
Waisman
J
J
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods; D018279:Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007146:Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains / Q000032:analysis; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D012186:Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D015703:Antigens, CD; D004396:Coloring Agents; D007146:Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains