Case Report of an Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm: A Rare Etiology for Appendicitis

Abstract

An appendiceal mucinous neoplasm is a rare condition with a clinical picture that can resemble appendicitis. Published reports have documented an incidence of 0.07-0.3% of all appendicectomies. The ubiquitous use of computerized tomography scans has helped plan surgical strategies as these patients may often require a right hemicolectomy in order to ascertain oncological clearance. This helps the clinician to avoid the complication of pseudomyxoma peritonei with its attendant increased mortality. In this case report the presence of a normal appendix base allowed for a laparoscopic intervention without having to resect the right hemi-colon. All published case reports to date have documented the involvement of the entire appendix. This case report is unique in the sparing of the proximal appendix.