Primary linitis plastica carcinoma of the colon and rectum

Abstract

Primary linitis plastica of the colon or rectum is a rare entity. Only 85 cases of this type cancer have been reported in the English medical literature. We report two cases, including the oldest known patient presenting uniquely with a sigmoid volvulus and another patient presenting with fecal incontinence and perianal pain. Linitis plastica of the colon or rectum is characterized by presentation in younger patients and is associated with metastatic disease, a high mortality, and insidious growth, often making detection difficult. A high degree of suspicion must therefore be held; a low threshold for endoscopic and echoendoscopic diagnostic intervention also should be maintained. Endoscopic ultrasound provides a unique view of its circumferential infiltrating pattern for diagnosis and staging, but further experience is necessary to establish whether the early use of endoscopic ultrasound favorably impacts mortality.