Difficulties with the diagnosis of linitis plastica carcinoma of the rectum and anal canal.

The early and precise diagnosis of linitis plastica-type tumours of the rectum and anal canal is difficult because of their insidious presentation and anaplastic nature. A case report is documented of a patient with a linitis plastica tumour of the lower rectum and anal canal which arose as a secondary tumour from the prostate. The presentation, clinical features, treatment and pathological findings in this case are contrasted with those from other reported cases of prostatic carcinoma invading the rectum and of linitis plastica carcinoma of the large bowel. The unique features of the case are summarized.