Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix presenting as an umbilical hernia: A case report
Bingbing Ren1, Xiangchao Meng2, Z I Cao3
1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix is a rare condition that develops as a result of proliferation of mucin-secreting cells in an occluded appendix. Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix presenting as an umbilical hernia is a rare clinical entity. The most common causes of this condition are known to be ascites, hepatitis and cirrhosis; however, the patient in the present study, was diagnosed as hepatitis- and cirrhosis-negative, with no history of chronic coughing or constipation. The aim of the present study was to report a rare case of mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix presenting as an umbilical hernia in a 66-year-old female patient. The patient had a 6-month history of a reducible mass in the umbilical region and was diagnosed with umbilical hernia. Computed tomography and ultrasonography were performed and revealed massive ascites. Ultimately, a laparoscopic appendectomy was performed and borderline mucinous appendiceal cystadenoma of low malignant potential was confirmed. In addition, the present study discussed the association between mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix and umbilical hernia, as well as the diagnostic process and treatment strategies.
Insights
A rare case of appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma presented as an umbilical hernia in a 66-year-old woman. This study details the diagnostic process and treatment for this uncommon presentation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Surgical Oncology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma is a rare condition originating from mucin-secreting cells within an obstructed appendix.
- Presentation as an umbilical hernia is an exceptionally rare clinical manifestation of this appendiceal neoplasm.
- Typical associated conditions like ascites, hepatitis, and cirrhosis were absent in this patient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma manifesting as an umbilical hernia.
- To discuss the diagnostic challenges and management strategies for this rare clinical scenario.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 66-year-old female with a 6-month history of a reducible umbilical mass.
- Diagnostic imaging included computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography, revealing massive ascites.
- Surgical intervention via laparoscopic appendectomy confirmed the diagnosis.
Main Results:
- A borderline mucinous appendiceal cystadenoma with low malignant potential was identified post-operatively.
- The patient's presentation mimicked a standard umbilical hernia, delaying the recognition of the underlying appendiceal pathology.
- Massive ascites were noted during imaging, contributing to the diagnostic complexity.
Conclusions:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare appendiceal pathologies in patients presenting with umbilical hernias, even in the absence of typical risk factors.
- The study underscores the utility of advanced imaging and laparoscopic surgery in diagnosing and treating appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma presenting atypically.
- Further investigation into the association between appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma and umbilical hernia may improve early detection and patient outcomes.
