Characteristics of primary signet ring cell carcinoma of colon and rectum: a case control study

Abstract Background Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the colon and rectum (PSRCCR) is rare, usually diagnosed at advanced stage with poor outcomes. We aimed to find possible diagnostic clues in order to help diagnosis. Methods A retrospective study of PSRCCR patients from 1993 to 2018 was reviewed at a single tertiary center. Colorectal adenocarcinoma patients as control group with 1:4 ratio was also enrolled. Results 18 patients with PSRCCR were identified. The prevalence rate was 0.16% (18 of 11,515). The mean age was 50.2 years-old in PSRCCR group and 63 years-old in non-SRCC colorectal cancer patients (p