Diffuse Adenocarcinoma with signet ring cells (10 of 18)

Gastric linitis plastica is a very particular malignant gastric
tumor different from the usual gastric adenocarcinoma.
Linitis plastica refers to the diffuse proliferation of the
connective tissue, resulting in tissue thickening so that the
stomach is constricted and rigid. Pathological exams
reported a strong connective stroma-reaction associated
with a malignant glandular proliferation of independent
cells (signet-ring cells), invading all the layers of the
digestive tract, the mucosa being usually save not
affected. Diagnosis is based on the association of
pathological results findings revealed by endoscopic,
endoscopic ultrasonography, radiological and surgical
examinations. Opposed to the adenocarcinoma,
Helicobacter Pylori seems not to be associated with the
occurrence of gastric linitis.