An unusual pseudoneoplasm: mass-forming tuberculosis infection mimicking rectal carcinoma

Abstract

A rare case of primary rectal tuberculosis presented as a rectal mass, indistinguishable clinically and radiologically from advanced rectal carcinoma . Histology failed at first to identify granulomas, acid fast bacilli, or malignancy, but subsequent biopsies showed multiple epithelioid granulomas with caseating necrosis and Langhans giant cells. Given these findings and the high regional incidence of tuberculosis, presumptive diagnosis was given and anti-tubercular drugs were initiated followed by resolution of the mass and symptoms.