Primary linitis plastica of the colon

Abstract

Primary linitis plastica carcinoma of the colon is rare. A late, and often inaccurate, diagnosis because of its submucosal manner of growth is responsible for poor prognosis. A high index of suspicion in patients with complaints referable to the large bowel, guaiac-positive stools, and x-ray of the colon after barium enema suggesting inflammatory stricture may lead to earlier diagnosis. Very wide local resection should be performed in women and it should be accompanied by total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This decision is based on the fact that there is early serosal and lymph-node involvement, a high incidence of ovarian metastasis and absence of hepatic metastasis. Better control of the disease should be provided under these circumstances. Satisfactory palliation may be provided by administration of chemotherapeutic agents.