Gastric xanthoma: histologic similarity to signet ring cell carcinoma
Drude, R.B.; Balart, L.A.; Herrington, J.P.; Beckman, E.N.; Burns, T.W.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 4(3): 217-221
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0192-0790 PMID: 6284833 Document Number: 194246
Gastric xanthomas (GX) are pale yellow nodules or plaques, usually less than 3 mm in size, in the gastric mucosa. They are frequently found in groups, most often along the lesser curvature and pyloric regions. They consist of liquid-laden histiocytes in the lamina propria occasionally extending into the submucosa. There is no correlation between GX and hypercholesterolemia. The lesion is of little significance, except as it may be misdiagnosed as carcinoma. We present two cases of GX, one initially thought histologically to be a signet ring cell carcinoma. With the paucity of reports of GX in the medical literature and the potential for incorrect diagnosis, we emphasize the importance of recognition and accurate histologic diagnosis of GX.