Limits plastics of the stomach.

Linitis plastica is a unique malignancy classified among infiltrating tumor s. Linitis of the stomach massively infiltrates the gastric wall without di srupting its architecture. Foci of carcinomatous lymphangitis, lymph node i nvolvement, and perotoneal metastases are common. The cells frequently exhi bit a signet-cell appearance, and linitis Is the most common and most sever e form of signet-cell cancer. Linitis contributes 5 to 10% of all stomach c ancers. There are no known risk factors, and few molecular biology data are available. Clinical symptoms provide little orientation. Endoscopy: shows a tubular rigid stomach. The biopsies can be. negative. Barium study findin gs are often suggestive. Endoscopic ultrasonography remains the best invest igation, since it is positive in over 95% of cases, capable of demonstratin g early or localized forms, and helpful for monitoring therapy. Extensive s urgery remains the standard therapeutic approach and can be curative. Prolo nged administration of 5FU or its precursors combined with CDDP has been pr oven effective. Median survival after excision is around 18 months.