I. Primary Linitis Plastica Type of Carcinoma of the Rectum —Report of a Case and Review of the Literature—

Abstract

In this paper, a rare case of primary linitis plastica type of colonic cancer is presented with review of the literature.A 35-year-old man was admitted to our department of surgery seeking for the treatment of complete stenosis of the rectum on March 22, 1976. At once, primary loop sigmoid colostomy and biopsy at the white and thick rectal wall were performed. The postoperative roentgenologic examinations reveraled complete narrowing of the rectum about 10 cm in length and the endoscopic examinations showed edematous swollen mucous membrane covered with copius mucus. Neither tumor nor ulcer was recognized. Based upon the histological examinations and clinical findings, the final diagnosis of primary linitis plastica type of carcinoma of the rectum was made. Hence, the combined therapies of oral administration of 5-fluorouracil and cobalt-60 irradiation were begun resulting in marked resolution of the neoplasm and remarkable relief of the clinical symptoms 2 months after the onset of treatment during the period of 20 months. But, in Novomber 1977, numerous dermal metastases came out at the lumbar region the head and the chest wall. The patient was gradually emaciated and died of cachexia on June 2, 1978.In the literature of the world from 1951 through 1976, only 34 cases of primary linitis plastica type of colonic carcinoma have been reported. The clinical aspects of this case was discussed as comparison with the 34 cases.