lymphangitic carcinomatosis

Definition of lymphangitic carcinomatosis

lymphangitic carcinomatosis (LIM-fan-JIH-tik KAR-sih-NOH-muh-TOH-sis): A serious condition in which cancer cells spread from the original (primary) tumor to the lymph vessels (the thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells through the body’s lymph system). The cancer cells build up in the lymph vessels, which causes them to become blocked. Lymphangitic carcinomatosis usually occurs in the lungs. It can happen in many types of cancer, but it is most common in people with cancers of the breast, lung, colon, stomach, pancreas, or prostate. Also called carcinomatous lymphangitis.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms