AUTHOR=Zhang Dongpo , Li Jun , Sun Tao , Zhang Ling , Wang Lian , Gan Quan , Xing Xiaoxiao , Zhang Yong , Wang Yue , Liao Daixiang , Li Junyi 

TITLE=Prostate cancer inducing secondary linitis plastica of the rectum: a rare case report and literature review

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1597367

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2025.1597367

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=BackgroundProstate cancer, the most prevalent male malignancy in Western countries, seldom presents as secondary rectal linitis plastica (RLP).Case presentationWe present an 82-year-old man with a 6-month history of altered bowel habits, narrowed stools, and mucous discharge, with absent lower urinary tract symptoms. Serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) was markedly elevated (392 ng/mL). Imaging demonstrated circumferential rectal thickening and a prostatic mass invading the bladder. MRI revealed a “target sign” with associated diffusion restriction. Colonoscopy identified circumferential mucosal protrusions resembling grape-like clusters (Nice Band Imaging (NBI) International Colorectal Endoscopic (NICE) type 3). Deep biopsies confirmed prostatic adenocarcinoma (Gleason score 4 + 3 = 7).DiagnosisA multidisciplinary team confirmed the diagnosis of prostate cancer with secondary RLP.TreatmentCombination therapy (prophylactic colostomy, leuprorelin, and abiraterone) reduced PSA from 392 to 2.16 ng/mL within 8 months.ConclusionsRLP may mimic various gastrointestinal disorders clinically. Clinicians should consider RLP in elderly men presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms. Definitive diagnosis requires the integration of multi-modality imaging, endoscopy, and histopathological biopsy.