Cervico-vaginal Amoebiasis Masquerading as Malignancy—A Case Series Highlighting Rare Clinical Presentation of a Common Parasitic Infection

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Authors: Neha Bakshi, Rahul D Modi, Mala Srivastava, Deepika Gupta, Shashi Dhawan, Seema Rao, Sonia Badwal
Cited by: 0
References: 7

Abstract

Amoebiasis is a common parasitic infection with a global disease burden, and usually presents with intestinal disease. Cervical and vulvovaginal amoebiasis are rare extraintestinal manifestations that closely mimic malignancy, owing to overlapping symptoms like vaginal bleeding or discharge and ulcerated necrotic mass-like lesions on clinical examination. A high index of suspicion, particularly in women from endemic regions, combined with timely pathologic examination, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Definitive diagnosis relies on cytologic or histopathological examination of cervical tissue demonstrating trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica , often identifiable by their characteristic ingestion of erythrocytes. Herein, we report an account of three female patients with lower genital amoebiasis masquerading clinico-radiologically as malignancy. Prompt treatment with metronidazole resulted in complete clinical resolution in all 3 patients, highlighting the importance of considering amoebiasis in the differential diagnosis of atypical cervical or vulvovaginal lesions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Amoebic Infections and Treatments Parasitic Infections and Diagnostics Reproductive tract infections research

Publication details

Journal / source
International Journal of Gynecological Pathology
Volume
45
Issue
5
Pages
418–421
Publication date
14 January 2026
Language
EN