Heartburn Misdiagnosis: Young Mom Given 12 Months to Live After Rare Stomach Cancer Discovery

Georgia Gardiner, a 28-year-old mother from Leeds, England, received a devastating diagnosis after her initial complaints were dismissed as mere heartburn. What started as nausea, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite last summer turned out to be a rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer known as linitis plastica.

Despite multiple visits to her doctor and local hospital, Gardiner was repeatedly told her symptoms were likely due to indigestion. This misdiagnosis continued even as her condition worsened, resulting in significant weight loss and difficulty eating.

After months of persistent advocacy for her health, Gardiner was finally referred for an endoscopy, which revealed the grim reality: linitis plastica. This aggressive cancer, often called "leather bottle stomach," causes the stomach lining to thicken, impairing its function.

By the time of her diagnosis on June 13, 2024, the cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes and other organs. Doctors delivered the heartbreaking news that her condition was terminal, estimating she had only 12 months to live. Treatment would focus on managing symptoms and improving her quality of life.

"I felt invincible. I never thought that I would develop cancer at 28. My world fell apart when I was informed that it is incurable," Gardiner shared.

A Mother's Plea: Don't Ignore Your Symptoms

Gardiner is now dedicated to making the most of her remaining time with her fiancé, Callum Scott, and their two-year-old son, Arlo. The couple has expedited their wedding plans, cherishing every moment together.

"The thing that breaks me is how much I’ll miss in Arlo’s life. He gives my life purpose," she said. Despite the grim prognosis, she remains determined to fight the cancer "in every way possible."

Gardiner hopes her story will encourage others to be proactive about their health. "Had I been taken seriously sooner, perhaps we could have nipped it in the bud before it spread. I just want others to get it in time," she urged. Her message is a powerful one: listen to your body, trust your instincts, and relentlessly pursue answers when something doesn't feel right.

Understanding Linitis Plastica

Linitis plastica is a rare and insidious form of adenocarcinoma affecting the stomach lining. It's characterized by the stiffening and thickening of the stomach walls, often leading to a delayed diagnosis due to its subtle early symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

• Persistent stomach pain
• Feeling full quickly after eating (early satiety)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Black or tarry stools

Unfortunately, the aggressive nature of linitis plastica makes it challenging to treat, especially after it has spread beyond the stomach.

Causes

The exact cause of linitis plastica remains unknown. However, research suggests a strong link to diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma. In some instances, genetic mutations, particularly in the CDH1 gene, play a role, predisposing individuals to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC).

Other potential contributing factors include:

• Infection with Helicobacter pylori
• Diets high in salty, smoked, or processed foods
• Smoking

Why is Linitis Plastica So Difficult to Cure?

The challenges in treating linitis plastica stem from several factors:

• Late Diagnosis: The disease often progresses silently, with subtle symptoms that are easily dismissed.
• Rapid Spread: The cancer tends to spread quickly through the stomach wall and to surrounding tissues and organs.
• Limited Surgical Options: Due to its diffuse nature, surgical removal of the entire cancer is often not feasible.
• Chemotherapy Resistance: Linitis plastica often shows resistance to conventional chemotherapy regimens.