Sigmoid colon cancer due to Schistosomiasis

Excerpt

A 76-year-old female patient with a history of bloody stools and abdominal discomfort underwent colonoscopy, showing a severe stenosing process. After surgical resection, histological analysis revealed an intermediate-grade adenocarcinoma (3.5 × 3 cm) pTNM: pT4a, G2, L0, pN0, V0, R0. Numerous foreign bodies (70 × 50 µm) were detected within the carcinoma and in the adjacent tissue, which were identified as Schistosoma japonicum eggs (Figs. 1, 2 and 3). Laboratory findings showed no eosinophilia and an IgE level within normal range. One out of three serological Schistosomiasis assays was moderately reactive. Consecutively, a tumor-specific therapy and an antiparasitic treatment with Praziquantel were initiated.

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