“Linitis plastica due to gastric adenocarcinoma is a condition with a long history, but still lacks a standardized definition and is commonly confused with Borrmann type IV, Lauren diffuse, and signet-cell type gastric cancer. The absence of a clear definition is a problem when investigating its biological characteristics and role as a possible independent factor for prognosis. Nevertheless, the biological behavior for linitis plastica, which is unique, may be valuable in risk stratification and have implications for treatment. A definition of linitis plastica
based on molecular or genomic criteria could represent a useful starting point for investigating new targeted therapies.”

“Primary linitis plastica of the stomach is a diffuse-type carcinoma with a scirrhous stroma, which invades the submucosa involving more than 1/3 of the stomach surface. Currently, appropriate management strategies include an accurate diagnostic multi-instrumental assessment and diagnostic laparoscopy in all cases.”

Agnes A, Estrella JS, Badgwell B. The significance of a nineteenth century definition in the era of genomics: linitis plastica. World J Surg Oncol. 2017 Jul 5;15(1):123. Free Full Text