Hypertrophic ileocaecal valve simulating a malignant tumour. A case report

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Rectal bleeding is a common symptom requiring thorough investigation.
• Cecal polyps are a frequent cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Pre-operative differentiation between cecal polyps and other ileocecal masses can be challenging.

Observation:

• A patient presented with rectal bleeding.
• Initial investigations suggested a polyp within the cecum.
• The benign nature of the lesion was not definitively established pre-operatively.

Findings:

• A limited right hemicolectomy was performed.
• Surgical specimen examination revealed a prominent ileocecal valve.
• The prominent ileocecal valve was the underlying cause, not a polyp.

Implications:

• This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties in differentiating cecal polyps from other ileocecal region pathologies.
• Accurate pre-operative diagnosis is crucial for appropriate surgical planning and patient management.
• Further refinement of diagnostic imaging and endoscopic techniques may improve pre-operative identification of such entities.