Ringceller

Ringceller is a term used in pathology to describe a specific appearance of cells under a microscope. The defining characteristic of a ringcell is the presence of a large vacuole within the cytoplasm that pushes the nucleus to the periphery of the cell. This creates a signet ring-like appearance, hence the name. These cells are not a distinct cell type in themselves but rather a morphological change that can occur in various types of epithelial cells.

The most common and well-known context for ringcell morphology is in adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that arises from glandular epithelial tissue. Gastric adenocarcinoma, also known as stomach cancer, frequently exhibits signet ring cells. They can also be found in other adenocarcinomas, including those of the colon, breast, and prostate, although less commonly. The presence of signet ring cells in a tumor can sometimes be associated with a more aggressive clinical behavior and a poorer prognosis.

The formation of the vacuole is typically due to the accumulation of intracellular mucin or other secretory products. In the case of gastric adenocarcinoma, this mucin is often a sign of the tumor cells trying to mimic normal gastric epithelium which produces mucus. Histological examination by a pathologist is crucial for identifying ringcell morphology and integrating this finding with other cellular and tissue characteristics to reach a diagnosis.