Linitis plastica of the cecum

Linitis plastica of the cecum is rare. The authors describe a case of this condition in a 16-year-old man. The commonest presenting symptom is a change in bowel habit. Histologically there are three recurring features--diffuse infiltration of the bowel wall by small darkly staining tumour cells, the presence of multiple "signet-ring" cells indicating mucin production and, third, an attempt at gland formation. The prognosis is poor; no patient has survived longer than 27 months.