Tuberculosis mimicking cervical carcinoma--case report
Micha, J.P.; Brown, J.V.; Birk, C.; Van Horn, D.; Rettenmaier, M.A.; Goldstein, B.H.
European Journal of Gynaecological Oncology 28(4): 316-318
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-2936 PMID: 17713102 Document Number: 607147
Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection that primarily results in pulmonary disease. Although there are several reported cases of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, very few reports have described this disease in the female genital tract. We present a case involving a 67-year-old woman who presented with vaginal discharge, abdominal discomfort, and a pelvic mass in 2006. Clinically, cervical carcinoma was suspected, but pathologic diagnosis eventually revealed tuberculosis of the cervix. Tuberculosis is associated with a significant inflammatory reaction, which may mimic a gynecologic malignancy on exam or with diagnostic imaging. Despite the rare incidence, tuberculosis of the cervix should be considered in the differential diagnosis when cervical carcinoma is initially suspected.