About cancer
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 they make up.
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 .
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, 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.
More than 55 out of 100 (more than 55%) of all signet cell cancers start in the stomach. But it can develop in other parts of the body. This includes the:
bowel
lung
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 they grow in, as well as the type of cell. So this cancer would also be called a signet cell stomach cancer.
We have more information on tests, treatment and support if you have been diagnosed with cancer.
Find information on your cancer type
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.
Last reviewed: 17 Apr 2025
Next review due: 17 Apr 2028
Stomach cancer is cancer that starts anywhere inside the stomach or the stomach wall. It’s also called gastric cancer.
Search for the cancer type you want to find out about.
Rare cancers affect a small number of people. Find out what makes a cancer rare and other information about rare cancer.
Find out about tests to diagnose cancer and monitor it during and after treatment, including what each test can show, how you have it and how to prepare.
Treatments can include surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatments (such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted cancer drugs). Find out about treatments and how to cope with side effects.
Coping with cancer can be difficult. There is help and support available. Find out about the emotional, physical and practical effects of cancer and how to manage them.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
