Carcinoid tumors of appendix: treatment and outcome

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and histopathological features and the treatment of carcinoid tumors of the appendix.

A retrospective review of medical records and pathology specimens of patients with carcinoid tumor of the appendix has been done. The data derived from this study has been evaluated by descriptive statistical methods (mean, SD, frequency).

The histopathological examination of the appendices revealed carcinoid tumor in 11 out of 6777 (0.16%) patients operated for acute appendicitis. Six (54.54%) patients were male, 5 (45.45%) were female and the mean age was 20.2+/-6.7 years (13-35). The tumor was localized in the distal 1/3 region in 10 patients and in the proximal 1/3 region in 1 patient. The mean tumor diameter was 0.73+/-0.36 cm (0.3-1.5). Ten patients had classical type carcinoid tumor whereas goblet cell carcinoid tumor was only seen in one patient. None of the patients underwent an expanded resection. The mean follow up of the patients is 28.5+/-15.2 months (6-48), and no recurrences were seen.

In tumors with a diameter of 1 to 2 cm, appendectomy is the treatment of choice. No recurrence was detected with tumors smaller than 2 cm with simple appendectomy.