| Menetrier's disease causes giant folds of tissue
to grow in the wall of the stomach. The tissue may be inflamed and may
contain ulcers. The disease also causes glands in the stomach to waste
away and interferes with the body's absorption of a protein called
albumin. Menetrier's disease increases a person's risk of stomach cancer.
People who have this rare, chronic disease are usually men between ages 30
and 60. The cause of the disease is unknown.
Symptoms include pain or discomfort and tenderness in the top middle
part of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
vomiting blood, swelling in the abdomen, and ulcer-like pain after eating.
Menetrier's disease is diagnosed through x-rays, endoscopy, and biopsy
of stomach tissue. Endoscopy involves looking at the inside of the stomach
using a long, lighted tube that is inserted through the mouth. Biopsy
involves removing a tiny piece of stomach tissue to examine under the
microscope for signs of disease.
Treatment may include medications to relieve ulcer symptoms and treat
inflammation, and a high-protein diet. Part or all of the stomach may need
to be removed if the disease is severe.
More information is available from
National Organization for Rare Disorders Inc. (NORD)
55
Kenosia Avenue
P.O. Box 1968
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
Phone:
1-800-999-6673 or (203) 744-0100
Fax: (203) 798-2291
Email: orphan@rarediseases.org
Internet:
http://www.rarediseases.org/
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