Cutaneous or genital amebiasis may resemble a malignant neoplasm. A malignant neoplasm may also become involved with Entamoeba histolytica. Accurate diagnosis is important so that the patient gets the best treatment possible.
Carcinomas that may be invaded by Entamoeba histolytica include:
(1) colon, rectum or anus
(2) penis
(3) vulva
(4) cervix
(5) skin
The lesion tends to be ulcerated and may have a foul-smelling discharge. The tumor may not respond as expected to therapy.
The diagnosis requires:
(1) demonstration of protozoa and other evidence of E. histolytica
(2) demonstration of malignant cells
(3) exclusion of reactive atypia
The differential diagnosis is amebiasis with pseudocarcinoma.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
