Signet cell cancer

Signet cell cancer is a rare type of cancer that mostly starts in the glandular cells. It is also called signet ring cell cancer.

Nearly 57 out of 100 (57%) of all signet cell cancers start in the stomach . But it can develop in other parts of the body. This includes the: 

• bowel
• oesophagus (foodpipe)
• lung
• pancreas
• gallbladder

What are signet cells?

Our body is made up of billions of different types of cells. You can only see them under a microscope. Cells group together depending on the job they do, or the type of body tissue they make up.

Epithelial tissue is skin tissue. It covers and lines the body both inside and out. Glandular cells are a type of epithelial cell. Signet cell cancer usually develops in glandular cells. Doctors call it an adenocarcinoma . 

Signet cell cancer is also called signet ring cell cancer. This is because under a microscope the cells look like signet rings.

To diagnose your cancer type, pathologists look at the cancer under a microscope. They diagnose signet cell cancer if at least 50 out of 100 cells (50%) are signet ring cells.

Getting the right information

The treatment you have for signet cell cancer depends on where in the body the cancer starts. For example, a signet cell cancer in the stomach is treated as a stomach cancer.

Cancers are named after the body organ they grow in, as well as the type of cell. So this cancer would also be called a signet cell stomach cancer.

More information

We have more information on tests, treatment and support if you have been diagnosed with cancer.

Coping

Coping with a diagnosis of a rare cancer can be especially difficult. Being well informed about your cancer and its treatment can help. It can make it easier to make decisions and cope with what happens.

Talking to other people who have the same thing can also help.

Our discussion forum Cancer Chat is a place for anyone affected by cancer. You can share experiences, stories and information with other people.

You can call our nurse freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can send them a question online.