Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Murine Appendectomy Model of Chronic Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Precise Localization of Caecal Patch
Published on: August 24, 2019
[Comparative incidence of acute appendicitis in a mixed population, related to skin color]
Andy Petroianu1, Jose Estevão de Oliveira-Neto, Luiz Ronaldo Alberti
1Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. petroian@medicina.ufmg.br
Background:
Acute appendicitis is a very common surgical emergency, but its etiology and pathology remain incompletely understood.
Objective:
To elucidate epidemiological aspects of acute appendicitis related to skin color, gender and age.
Methods:
Five-hundred patients operated on for acute appendicitis, and other 500 patients treated for different diseases and considered as a control group were studied at "Hospital das Clinicas", Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. Gender, age and skin color were investigated. The results were compared by chi-square test.
Results:
There was no prevalence related to gender. A significant prevalence of white patients (73.8%) was verified in this series. The number of white men with appendicitis was significantly higher than white men in the control group. The incidence of black patients with appendicitis was significantly lower than black patients of the control group. The mean age was 23.2 years old for the white patients with appendicitis and 32.3 years old for the black patients.
Conclusions:
The present paper shows an evident relation between appendicitis and white skin color.
Related Concept Videos
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Appendicitis
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...