Aleter A, El Ansari W. Incidental appendiceal mucinous neoplasm mimicking a left adnexal mass: A case report.
Int J Surg Case Rep 2020;
74:132-135. [PMID:
32836208 PMCID:
PMC7452653 DOI:
10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.07.081]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Equivocal signs and symptoms along with anatomical position of appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (AMN) makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pre-operative, findings like ‘onion skin’ sign on ultrasonography and ‘volcano sign’ on colonoscopy are specific for appendiceal mucocele.
Primary AMN is rarely diagnosed before operation and histopathological examination.
AMN can mimic ovarian tumors. Consider AMN in the differential diagnosis for any pelvic mass in elderly female patients.
Introduction
Appendiceal mucinous neoplasm is a rare type of appendiceal tumors which can present in a variety of symptoms and is difficult to diagnose. Preoperative diagnosis depends mainly on diagnostic imaging such as ultrasonography and computerized tomography (CT) scan. This uncommon case report discusses an appendiceal mucinous neoplasm mimicking a left adnexal mass on presentation, physical examination and diagnostic imaging findings.
Presentation of case
This is a 61-year-old female found to have a large left adnexal mass during follow up ultrasonography. The patient refused further imaging, and during laparotomy, she was found to have an appendicular mucocele with normal left and right ovaries.
Discussion
Appendectomy was done and the final pathology came as appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. Her post-operative course and 3 years follow up were uneventful.
Conclusions
The equivocal signs and symptoms along with the anatomical position of appendiceal mucocele makes it difficult to diagnose and can mimic other types of tumors. Therefore, it should be considered in the deferential diagnosis of lower abdominal and pelvic masses.
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