Rectal Signet-Ring Cell Adenocarcinoma with Cutaneous Metastases: A Rare Form of Colorectal Cancer – A Case Report
Mirhan Salibasic1, Ilma Turkovic2 , Meleka Rastic3, Minela Zrno3, Sadat Pusina1, Edin Hodzic1, Emir Bicakcic1, Vedad Dedic1, Edin Medjedovic1
1 Clinic for General, Abdominal and Glandular Surgery, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2 Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Hercegovina
3 Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Corresponding Author: Mirhan Salibasic MD, PhD. Clinic for General, Abdominal and Glandular Surgery, Clinical center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; E-mail: mirhan.sa@gmail.com; Phone: +387 33 297-663; ORCID ID:0000-0002-9668-8238.
Cite this article: Salibasic M, Turkovic I, Rastic M, Zrno M, Pustina S, Hodzic E, et al. Rectal Signet-Ring Cell Adenocarcinoma with Cutaneous Metastases: A Rare Form of Colorectal Cancer – A Case Report. Sar Med J 2025; 2(2):139-143. 
10.70119/0042-25
Pages: 139 – 143 / Published online: 21 December 2025.
Original submission: 10 July 2025; Revised submission: 18 September 2025; Accepted: 06 November 2025.
Abstract
Introduction. Rectal carcinoma is uncommon in younger population, with 5–8% of cases diagnosed before the age of 40. In about 95% of cases, the histopathological type is adenocarcinoma. Primary rectal signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma represents one of the rarest subtypes (1.39% of cases) and is associated with poor prognosis. Optimal treatment usually includes abdominoperineal resection combined with chemotherapy.
Aim. To present a case of a young female patient diagnosed with rectal signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma accompanied by cutaneous metastases.
Case report. We report the case of a 31-year-old female patient with rectal signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma who developed cutaneous metastases. Cutaneous lesions were detected on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and confirmed by physical examination approximately six months after the initial diagnosis. The patient was treated with pelvic radiotherapy with concomitant capecitabine, followed by definitive colostomy.
Conclusion. Despite early initiation of treatment, survival in patients with rectal signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma remains poor.
Key words: Rectal Neoplasms, Adenocarcinomas, Signet-Ring Cell, Skin Neoplasms.
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