Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the ileum: report of two cases

Signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) of the ileum is rare and usually considered a metastasis from elsewhere until proven otherwise. Literature review indicates two published cases of SRCC primary in the ileum, a third involving both the ileum and the appendix and postulated to be of a multicentric origin, and a fourth originating from Meckel's diverticulum. We report two cases of primary SRCC of the ileum, one in the terminal ileum and one developing in a cutaneoileostomy. The latter type has not been previously documented, although there are a few reported instances of SRCC in the urinary bladder and female urethra associated with an ileal conduit.