Abstract
Primary linitis plastica type of the colon ic cancer is uncommon. Only one hundred-odd cases have been reported in Japan since Watanabe and Yamamoto first reported in 1976. This type of cancer represents under one per cent of total colorectal cancers. This paper describes a recent case of primary diffuse infiltrative carcinoma of the rectum with a review of the literature. A 68-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of 2-month lasting melena and anal pain. On admission, the patient showed elevated levels of tumor markers. From barium enema and MRI findings, a diagnosis of the disease infiltrating into the uterus and vagina was made. Posterior pelvic excentration was carried out, resulteing in non-curative resection (S3, Ai Si, N4, Pl, and Stage IV). Postoperative course was uneventful and symptoms such as anal pain disappeared, however, since 2 months after the operation, lumbago, abdominal pain, and ascites occurred. Serum tumor markers also elevated remarkably. The patient died of cancer with peritonitis carcinomatosa and cahexia 6 months after the operation.
