Inflammatory tumor of the cecum simulating neoplasm

Barium enema performed on a 36-year old man prior to the operative repair of a rectal stricture demonstrated a large cecal filling defect which radiologically was consistent with a villous adenoma or carcinoma. At the time of exploratory celiotomy (for possible ileocolectomy) intraoperative colonoscopy revealed a necrotic appearing lesion in the cecum which did not look neoplastic. Local excision of the mass was therefore performed. The lesion proved to be an inflammatory polyp.