linitis plastica

Linitis Plastica: A Rare and Aggressive Form of Gastric Cancer

Linitis plastica, also known as leather bottle stomach, is a rare and aggressive form of gastric cancer characterized by the thickening and stiffening of the stomach wall. This condition is a type of adenocarcinoma that accounts for 3-19% of gastric adenocarcinomas [1].

Key Features:

• Thickening and stiffness of the stomach wall, giving it a "leather bottle" appearance [9]
• Diffuse infiltration of the stomach wall by cancer cells, leading to loss of pliability [6]
• Rarely presents with mucosal lesions on gross appearance, making it difficult to diagnose [3]

Causes:

• Primary gastric cancer is the most common cause of linitis plastica [1]
• Metastatic disease can also cause this condition in rare cases [10]

Treatment and Prognosis:

• Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy [2]
• Unfortunately, most people with linitis plastica are not candidates for surgery due to the advanced stage of cancer at diagnosis [2]
• Early detection and prompt medical intervention are essential for improving outcomes in individuals with linitis plastica [11]

References:

[1] Linitis plastica is a morphological variant of diffuse stomach cancer in which the stomach wall becomes thick and rigid. [1] [2] Treatment for linitis plastica in the stomach. The main treatments for linitis plastic are surgery or chemotherapy. You might also have radiotherapy to help relieve your symptoms. [3] Linitis plastica (LP) is mostly caused by diffuse infiltrative gastric adenocarcinoma. Although it represents massive tumor infiltration, LP may show very little in the way of mucosal lesions on gross appearance 1 and might be misinterpreted as chronic or acute gastritis. [6] Linitis plastica refers to diffuse narrowing and loss of pliability of a gastrointestinal organ. [9] Linitis plastica is a descriptive term usually referring to the appearance of the stomach, although the rectum can also be described this way. [10] Whether linitis plastica should be defined as only the appearance of the stomach, irrespective of cause, or used only in the setting of infiltrating adenocarcinoma of the stomach, is a source of disagreement. Thus, the causes of linitis plastica are also differential, and include 4,5: neoplastic. gastric adenocarcinoma (scirrhous) metastases [11] Linitis Plastica, also known as Brinton’s Disease, is a rare type of gastric cancer that originates in the glandular tissue lining the stomach walls. [13] Linitis Plastica (LP) is a rare and aggressive tumor with a distinctive development pattern, leading to the infiltration of the gastric wall, the thickening of the gastric folds and a “leather bottle appearance”. LP is an extremely heterogeneous tumor caused by mutations in oncogenic and tumor suppressive genes, as well as molecular ...

Diagnostic Tests for Linitis Plastica

Linitis plastica, also known as gastric linitis plastica, is a rare type of stomach cancer that can be challenging to diagnose. The diagnostic tests used to confirm the presence of this condition are similar to those used for other types of stomach cancers.

• Upper Gastrointestinal Studies: These studies use X-rays and barium to visualize the upper digestive tract, including the stomach. They can help identify any abnormalities in the stomach wall or lining.
• CT Scan: A CT scan uses computerized tomography to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It can be used to evaluate the extent of the disease and identify any potential metastases.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): EUS is a minimally invasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the stomach lining and wall. It can help identify any abnormalities, such as thickening or irregularities in the stomach wall.
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue from the stomach lining for examination under a microscope. This is often performed during an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Additional Diagnostic Tools

Other diagnostic tools that may be used to diagnose linitis plastica include:

• Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration (EUS-FNA): This procedure involves using EUS to guide a fine needle into the stomach wall to collect tissue samples for examination.
• Diagnostic Laparoscopy: This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows doctors to visually examine the abdominal cavity and identify any potential metastases.

Challenges in Diagnosis

Linitis plastica can be difficult to diagnose due to its nonspecific symptoms and the diffuse nature of the disease. In some cases, superficial biopsies taken during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may lead to inconclusive results. Therefore, a combination of diagnostic tests and meticulous preoperative staging is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

References:

• [1] Context 2: The diagnosis of linitis plastica can be difficult and uses a multifaceted approach between endoscopic and radiologic studies.
• [3] Context 13: Endoscopy ultrasound, which is an important diagnostic tool for this disease, can identify the 5-layer structure of the gastric wall ...
• [14] Context 14: Linitis plastica is often difficult to diagnose (>50% of cases are missed) with endoscopy and biopsies.