Endoscopic view of rectal amebiasis mimicking a carcinoma.

We report the case of a 45-year-old man with rectal amebiasis, presenting with rectal bleeding and chronic diarrhea, confirmed on rectal biopsy. The endoscopic view was highly suggestive of a carcinoma and caused confusion about its etiology. The striking difference in the endoscopic view before and after medical therapy of the tumor-like lesion was remarkable. This case illustrates the importance of an accurate histologic diagnosis before definitive treatment and highlights the mimicry of rectal carcinoma by rectal amebiasis on endoscopy.