Published online Mar 6, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i7.1728
Peer-review started: October 25, 2020
First decision: November 26, 2020
Revised: December 5, 2020
Accepted: December 29, 2020
Article in press: December 29, 2020
Published online: March 6, 2021
Processing time: 126 Days and 11.5 Hours
Primary appendiceal tumors are histologically diverse and have an insidious onset and few specific clinical manifestations. In the majority of cases, these tumors are discovered after appendectomy during pathological exam of the resected tissue. Treatment may include appendectomy (simple or radical) and right hemicolectomy depending on factors such as histological type, tumor size and lymph node/organ involvement. The aim of this case study is to describe a rare case of a giant appendicular mucocele and raise awareness of this condition and its management options and follow-up protocol.
We present the case of a 43-year-old patient who presented to our emergency department with mild right lower quadrant pain. After the initial check-up and imaging exams, he underwent surgery, where a giant 20 cm × 13 cm appendicular tumor was found and resected. Appendicular mucocele was suspected due to the macroscopic appearance and was later confirmed by the pathological exam. The patient’s postoperative evolution was uneventful, and after discharge, he was included in our follow-up program.
In conclusion, mucinous appendiceal neoplasms embody a rare pathology; they are asymptomatic or have few, unspecific clinical signs and in many cases are discovered after appendectomy.
Core Tip: Mucinous appendiceal neoplasms represents a rare pathology with unspecific sometimes asymptomatic clinical signs. Preoperative diagnosis or suspicion is important for the operative strategy. Based on staging and histological findings, simple or radical appendectomy using open or laparoscopic approach can be safely performed for low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, if the diagnostic criteria are met.