Plant Seeds Misidentified as Colon Growths in Patients
A medical report highlights cases where ingested seeds were mistaken for polyps or caused appendicitis in patients.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Botany
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Researchers published a report on March 10, 2026, detailing cases where plant seeds were identified as the root cause of gastrointestinal complications. In one instance, a 5-millimeter tomato seed was removed from a 60-year-old woman's colon after being mistaken for a polyp.
Why it matters
These cases demonstrate that undigested seeds can embed in intestinal tissue or obstruct the appendix, occasionally mimicking more serious medical conditions. Identifying these specimens correctly prevents unnecessary concern regarding potential growths or tissue disease.
A 2021 study found seeds in 2.2% of appendix specimens and 4% of colon resections. These specimens, which included tomato, kiwi, blueberry, and blackberry seeds, were identified by observing the central embryo and seed coat.
The players
University of Szeged
This institution served as the academic base for the authors of the 2026 medical report on seed-related pathologies.
University of Genoa
Researchers at this university conducted the 2021 comparative study examining the presence of seeds in gastrointestinal specimens.
The details
A 10-year-old boy required surgery for appendicitis after a 3-millimeter seed blocked his appendix, leading to inflammation and ulceration. Pathologists confirm such seeds block openings, raising internal pressure and hindering blood flow, which enables bacterial growth.
Timeline
1816: A fatal case of peritonitis was linked to ingested cocoa seeds.
1995: A vegetable seed was misidentified as a colon polyp in a woman.
2017-2020: Researchers collected gastrointestinal specimens for an Italian study.
2021: Findings were published regarding seeds in pathology specimens.
March 10, 2026: The report was published in the journal Diagnostics.
The Big Picture
The current findings extend the data established by the 2021 University of Genoa study on seeds in pathology specimens. This research highlights how common botanical elements continue to complicate clinical diagnostics.
These findings suggest that what appears to be a colon polyp or appendicitis may occasionally be a simple obstruction caused by an ingested seed. Patients should be aware that such seeds are generally benign but can cause acute abdominal issues if they lodge in the wrong location.
The takeaway
While most seeds pass through the digestive system without incident, they can occasionally mimic serious disease. Maintaining a clear medical history can help clinicians differentiate between common dietary remnants and genuine tissue growths.
Further reading
Learn more about plant-based interactions in biological contexts at Botany.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medical Daily.
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