Cecal Ameboma: An Uncommon Inflammatory Cecal Mass in Elderly

Amebiasis is an infectious disease caused by the intestinal protozoan Entamoeba histolytica, and is one of the most common parasitoses worldwide. Ameboma is a rare presentation of invasive amebiasis. Amebomas are generally difficult to diagnose and can mimic colon carcinoma. In this report, we describe an elderly woman who presented to the emergency department with cramping abdominal pain. The patient underwent surgery after an initial diagnosis of inflamed cecal mass and appendicitis. Histological examination of the surgical specimen showed the presence of trophozoites of E. histolytica, leading to a diagnosis of cecal ameboma. Although the elderly population has a higher incidence of colonic malignancy, ameboma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of colonic tumors, especially in endemic areas.