Colonic angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia masquerading as malignancy: a case report and review of the literature

Clin Colorectal Cancer. 2010 Jul;9(3):179-82. doi: 10.3816/CCC.2010.n.025.

Abstract

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (AHE) of the colon is a rare entity. Since 1997, to our knowledge only 2 similar cases have been documented in the literature. Here, we report a third case that presented as a transverse colonic mass mimicking cancer both clinically and radiologically. Microscopically classic morphologic criteria of this entity were observed, which consisted of both a vascular proliferation and an inflammatory component rich in eosinophils without any malignant features. Whether AHE is a reactive process or a neoplastic process (either a benign vascular neoplasm or a T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder) is still under debate. However, it is important to recognize this entity as a cause of colonic mass to avoid a misdiagnosis of malignancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia / pathology*
  • Colonic Diseases / pathology*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / complications
  • Hemangioma / complications
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / complications