“Linitis plastica (LP) is a distinct phenotype of gastric cancer. Macroscopically, it is characterized as a thickened stomach, with prominent diffusion of the tumor into the submucosal and muscular layers; microscopically, it is often associated with signet ring cell features and diffuse and scirrhous (referring to the histologic characteristic of abundant stromal cells) histologic types.”

“LP is a phenotype of gastric cancer that often presents at an advanced stage, with a high rate of peritoneal involvement. Our proposed definition of LP is feasible, which may help standardize the terminology. The use of staging laparoscopy is important for classifying LP, as well as for ruling out peritoneal carcinomatosis. The prognosis of LP patients is poor; however, the use of preoperative therapy, followed by gastrectomy in select patients, appears to be a reasonable treatment strategy for patients with localized LP gastric cancer.”

Ikoma N, et al Linitis Plastica: a Distinct Type of Gastric Cancer. J Gastrointest Surg. 2020 May;24(5):1018-1025 Full Text for Emory Users