Ménétrier's Disease

Ménétrier's disease causes giant folds of tissue to grow in the wall of the stomach. The stomach is part of the digestive system. (Read about "Digestive System") The tissue may be inflamed and may contain ulcers, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The disease also causes glands in the stomach to waste away and interferes with the body's absorption of a protein called albumin. Ménétrier's disease increases a person's risk of stomach cancer. (Read about "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, sometimes with blood
• diarrhea (Read about "Diarrhea")
• swelling in the abdomen

Ménétrier's disease is diagnosed through x-rays (Read about "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. (Read about "Endoscopy") Biopsy involves removing a tiny piece of stomach tissue to examine under the microscope for signs of disease. (Read about "Biopsy")

According to NIDDK, treatment may include medications to relieve ulcer-like 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.