Linitis plastica infiltrating the entire gut.

A case of extensive spread of linitis plastica, involving the entire gastrointestinal tract, is reported. The tumor probably originated in the stomach. Because the mucosal and serosal layers remained intact, diagnosis was markedly delayed, as is commonly seen in scirrhous carcinoma. The method of spread of the tumor (mainly through the submucosal layer) is unusual, and is probably related to the histological type of carcinoma.