PMC1242220_01
Histopathological findings on hard palate biopsy showing diffuse chorion infiltration by a poorly differentiated carcinoma with a focal microglandular growth pattern (hematoxylin and eosin stain, x400).
1471-2407-5-117-1.jpg
PMC1242220_01_1471-2407-5-117-1.jpg
F1
One month later, a second hard palate biopsy revealed an undifferentiated carcinoma with a focal microglandular and diffuse signet-ring cell growth infiltrating the subepithelial chorion mucosa consistent with a gastric origin (Fig. 1).
Gastric biopsies revealed an undifferentiated signet-ring cell gastric carcinoma (hematoxylin and eosin stain, x400). Note the characteristic distribution of blue intracytoplasmic mucines in the neoplastic cells (inset) (Alcian-Pas stain, x400).
1471-2407-5-117-2.jpg
PMC1242220_01_1471-2407-5-117-2.jpg
F2
Although the patient was asymptomatic, gastroscopy showed an ulcerated lesion of the greater curvature of the stomach, and histopathogy revealed an undifferentiated gastric carcinoma with signet-ring cells (Fig. 2).
Clinical photograph of the hard palate lesion after biopsy.
1471-2407-5-117-3.jpg
PMC1242220_01_1471-2407-5-117-3.jpg
F3
She was admitted to our Institution in October 2003, when a physical examination revealed left supraclavicular adenopathy, left exophthalmus, and a firm and painless erythematous mass of nearly 4 cm on her left hard palate, with no evidence of bleeding at palpation (Fig. 3).
Magnetic resonance image of the maxilla showing an enhanced lesion of the left hard palate with thickening of the genal mucosa and no bone involvement.
1471-2407-5-117-4.jpg
PMC1242220_01_1471-2407-5-117-4.jpg
F4
The results of chest and abdominal CT scans were negative, but magnetic resonance imaging of the maxilla revealed an enhanced 2.7 x 2.3 cm lesion on the left hard palate, with thickening of the genal mucosa and no bone involvement (Fig. 4).