Open AccessCecal ameboma in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient mimicking intra-abdominal malignancy
Author(s) -
ChihWei Hsu,
Ying-Tse Chang
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of cancer research and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2589-0425
pISSN - 2311-3006
DOI - 10.1016/j.jcrpr.2015.10.004
Subject(s) - medicine , exploratory laparotomy , perforation , cecum , colonoscopy , surgery , abdominal pain , laparotomy , malignancy , abscess , asymptomatic , radiology , colorectal cancer , cancer , materials science , punching , metallurgy
Amebiasis is quite uncommon in developed countries. Its clinical presentation can vary from an asymptomatic carrier state to fulminant colitis and colonic perforation. We presented a 39-year-old female who received combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma 1 year prior to admission. Thereafter, she felt acute abdominal pain and diarrhea after traveling to Hainan 3 months ago. A physical examination of the patient revealed diffused peritoneal sign. Abdominal computed tomography showed a cecal tumor and intra-abdominal abscess. A subsequent exploratory laparotomy revealed an infiltrating yellowish tumor about 7 cm over the cecum and massive serous ascites. Pathology reported ambeic colitis with undermined ulcer and abscess formation of the cecum. Ameboma can be found in developed countries, particularly in patients with risk factors and a history of traveling to areas with the developing disease. Colonoscopy with biopsy is recommended for patients with suspected ameboma, and surgical intervention is likely indicated in complicated cases although the surgical mortality rate is high