The medical term "Linitis Plastica" (meaning "plastic or leather-like stomach") is pronounced as [lɪˈnaɪtɪs ˈplæstɪkə]. The spelling of this word can be explained through the international phonetic alphabet (IPA) transcription which represents the sounds of the word. Linitis Plastica is a pathological condition where stomach cancer causes the stomach tissue to become thick, inflexible, and rigid. It is important to spell and pronounce medical terms accurately in order to avoid misunderstandings and ensure effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients.
Linitis plastica is a medical term used to describe a rare and aggressive type of stomach cancer. The name "linitis plastica" is derived from Greek words; "linitis" refers to inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach, and "plastica" describes the resultant scar tissue formation that causes the stomach to become rigid and inflexible.
This condition is characterized by a thickening and stiffening of the stomach walls due to the infiltration of cancer cells into the connective tissues. The cancerous cells invade the stomach's layers, including the muscular layer, causing fibrosis and scarring. This, in turn, leads to a loss of elasticity and deformity of the stomach, making it resemble a "leather bottle" or "leather stomach."
Linitis plastica is often associated with an advanced stage of gastric adenocarcinoma, the most common type of stomach cancer. Symptoms of linitis plastica may include poor appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, early satiety, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Due to its aggressive nature, linitis plastica is more challenging to diagnose and treat compared to other forms of stomach cancer.
Treatment options for linitis plastica often involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, the prognosis for this condition is generally poor, and the survival rate is lower compared to other stomach cancer subtypes. Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in linitis plastica cases.
Brinton's disease, chronic sclerosing gastritis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Linitis Plastica" is derived from Latin and Greek roots.
The term "Linitis" comes from the Latin word "linum", which means "line" or "string". It is combined with the Greek word "itis", meaning "inflammation". Therefore, "Linitis" can be understood to mean inflammation of the lining.
The word "Plastica" also comes from Greek roots. It is derived from the Greek word "plastikos", meaning "moldable" or "shaped". It is used in the medical context to describe a condition that causes a thickened or rigid appearance.
When combined, "Linitis Plastica" refers to a medical condition called "gastric linitis plastica" or "scirrhous carcinoma of the stomach".