Endometriosis in the Cecum: A Rare Clinical Entity

Abstract

Cecal endometriosis is uncommon and may mimic other tumors of the colon, making it difficult to safely diagnose preoperatively. We report a case of a 50-year-old female who was found to have a cecal lesion during an endoscopic examination, which was performed for the investigation of anemia. It was also confirmed by conducting a computed tomography (CT) scan. Due to the high possibility of this mass identification as a neoplasm, the patient underwent a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with an extracorporeal side-to-side isoperistaltic anastomosis. However, the postoperative histological diagnosis of the mass was cecal endometriosis, as the histopathology report noted endometrial tissues in the submucosa and muscolaris propria of the ileocecal region. Endometriosis of the cecum is a rare manifestation and can often be misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor. Further research is required, concerning preoperative characteristics of bowel masses in women, in order to provide optimal operative treatment and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.