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Published on: August 24, 2019

Giant appendiceal mucocele: report of a case and brief review

Bernardino Rampone1, Franco Roviello, Daniele Marrelli

  • 1Department of General Surgery and Surgical Oncology, University of Siena, Italy.

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|August 12, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Giant appendiceal mucocele, a rare condition, can be asymptomatic and challenging to diagnose pre-operatively. This case highlights a large mucocele diagnosed via imaging and confirmed by pathology, emphasizing surgical considerations.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Mucocele of the appendix is a rare appendiceal lesion characterized by lumen distension with mucoid substance.
  • Often asymptomatic, pre-operative diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele is infrequent.
  • Rupture can lead to pseudomyxoma peritonei, a potentially fatal condition.

Observation:

  • A 51-year-old woman presented with a mobile, painless right lower quadrant abdominal mass.
  • Imaging revealed a large, tubular, cystic structure extending from the cecum.
  • Surgery identified a giant, retro-cecal appendix measuring 17 cm in length and 4 cm in diameter.

Findings:

  • The final pathological diagnosis was mucocele of the appendix.
  • The mucocele was caused by a mucinous cystadenoma.
  • Surgical treatment decisions for appendiceal mucocele depend on size and histology.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering appendiceal mucocele in the differential diagnosis of abdominal masses.
  • Appropriate surgical intervention, such as appendectomy or hemi-colectomy, is crucial for managing appendiceal mucocele based on its characteristics.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications like pseudomyxoma peritonei.

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