# Coexistence of Carcinoma and Tuberculosis in the Cecum: A Clinical Conundrum

## TL;DR

This paper presents a rare case where a patient had both colon cancer and tuberculosis in the cecum, highlighting the difficulty in diagnosing such coexisting conditions.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in reporting a rare clinical case of concurrent cecal carcinoma and tuberculosis confirmed through histopathology and molecular testing.

## Key findings

- A 58-year-old female had a cecal mass showing features of both TB and adenocarcinoma.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis was confirmed using nucleic acid amplification testing.
- The patient received antitubercular treatment and is scheduled for chemotherapy after surgery.

## Abstract

The coexistence of carcinoma of the colon and tuberculosis (TB) represents a rare and intricate clinical scenario. It poses significant challenges in both diagnosis and management. Clinical prediction of this coexistence is challenging since the clinical features of these two conditions are often similar. Likewise, the radiology is not decisive because of the significant overlap in the image findings of carcinoma and TB. A conclusive diagnosis relies on histopathological evidence of both malignancy and TB. Here, we report a case of a 58-year-old female who presented with chronic abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed the presence of a mass in the cecum. Histopathology of tissue retrieved through colonoscopy was indicative of features of both TB and adenocarcinoma of the cecum. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in the tissue by cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test. The patient was initiated on antitubercular treatment. She underwent surgical resection of the mass and is planned for adjuvant chemotherapy.