Primary linitis plastica of the right colon

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Linitis plastica is a rare form of gastric cancer that can also occur in the colon.
• Primary colon linitis plastica is uncommon, with most cases occurring distal to the splenic flexure.

Observation:

• A case of primary linitis plastica originating in the right colon is detailed.
• Endoscopic biopsies showed signet ring cell carcinoma, but diagnosis was inconclusive.
• Extensive dense fibrous tissue with hyaline and amyloid nodules intermingled with tumor cells was observed.

Findings:

• The right colon origin is unusual, occurring in only 20% of reported cases.
• Signet ring cell carcinoma diagnosis can be challenging with endoscopic biopsies.
• Unique histological features included hyaline and amyloid nodules within fibrous tissue.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering linitis plastica in atypical colon locations.
• It highlights limitations of endoscopic biopsies for definitive diagnosis of signet ring cell carcinoma.
• Further research into the histopathology of colon linitis plastica may improve diagnostic accuracy.