What is a linitis plastica?

Listen to pronunciation. (lih-NY-tis plas-TIH-kuh) A rare type of stomach cancer that begins in the lining of the stomach and spreads to the muscles of the stomach wall. This causes the wall of the stomach to become thick, hard, and rubbery, which leads to trouble digesting food.

What is gastric Linitis?

Gastric linitis plastica is a diffuse type of cancer in which the cells invade throughout the stomach, resulting in the thickening and rigidity of the stomach wall. Most of the patients presenting with symptoms have an advanced form of the disease, with the reason being the limited sensory qualities of the stomach.

Where does linitis plastica spread to?

Linitis plastica spreads to the muscles of the stomach wall and makes it thicker and more rigid. This means that the stomach can’t hold as much and doesn’t stretch or move as it should when you’re digesting food. This stiff walled stomach is sometimes called a leather bottle stomach.

What are 5 characteristics of stomach cancer?

unintended weight loss and lack of appetite. pain in the area of the stomach (abdominal pain) vague discomfort in the abdomen, often above the navel. a sense of fullness just below the chest bone after eating a small meal.

Can linitis plastica be cured?

A significant survival advantage for patients with linitis plastica can only be achieved after complete resection [2,3,18]. 31% of all investigated patients could be completely resected.

What causes linitis plastica?

Primary gastric carcinoma is the most common cause of linitis plastica. Less frequently, metastatic gastric cancer from the breast, omental metastases, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving the stomach have been reported to show similar radiographic findings as linitis plastica.

What are the symptoms of linitis plastica?

Symptoms of linitis plastica do not usually present until the disease is in an advanced stage, making early diagnosis difficult. Symptoms are similar to those of stomach cancer including: difficulty swallowing, weight loss, indigestion, and vomiting.