A case of signet ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

A 51-year-old man was hospitalized with complaints of gross hematuria and terminal micturition pain. Cystoscopy revealed a low columnar tumor at the dome of the bladder. Ultrasonography and X-ray CT also demonstrated the same shape of tumor and no evidence of invasion to adjacent organs. Gastrointestinal examination, including upper gastrointestinal series and barium enema failed to reveal any primary tumor. The serum CEA level was 2.3 ng/ml, which was not elevated. Total cystectomy with ileal conduit and adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and cisplatinum was performed. He died of a recurrent tumor 2 years and 2 months after the operation. Besides our experience of primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder, a review of the literature is reported.