Colonic amoebic abscess mimicking carcinoma of the colon

DCK Ng, SY Kwok, Y Cheng, CC Chung, MKW Li
Department of Surgery, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong


Amoebiasis is an uncommon disease in developed countries. Its clinical presentation can be variable and non-specific, and the diagnosis can be easily overlooked. We report a case of colonic amoebic abscess mimicking advanced colonic cancer with acute intestinal obstruction and liver metastasis. The presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of amoebiasis are also reviewed.

Hong Kong Med J 2006;12:71-3

Key words: Amebiasis; Liver abscess, amebic