Signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon: A case report of a 9-year-old boy

Colorectal carcinomas are common in adults; however, they rarely occur in children. The present study reported the case of a colorectal carcinoma diagnosed as signet-ring cell carcinoma in a 9-year-old boy. The patient presented with acute intestinal obstruction symptoms, which persisted following 3 days of conservative treatment. The diagnosis was determined by emergency laparotomy and a mass was identified in the transverse colon proximal to the splenic flexure. Histological examination of the mass revealed signet-ring cell carcinoma. In addition, the present study aimed to discuss the diagnostic establishment and treatment of this rare disease in children. Due to the high mortality rate caused by delays in accurate diagnoses, signet-ring cell carcinoma in children promotes a specific diagnostic and surgical challenge.