Segmental tuberculosis of the colon mimicking carcinoma

Tuberculosis of the distal colon occurring in the absence of ileocecal or pulmonary involvement is often mistaken for neoplasm or Crohn's disease. In spite of various studies, including colonoscopy and brushings with biopsy, the diagnosis might still be in doubt at the time of operation. The combined approach of surgery and chemotherapy appears to be the treatment of choice, especially in those patients who have bleeding and/or obstruction in whom the diagnosis cannot be made by other modalities.