Mucinous appendiceal neoplasms: pathologic classification, clinical implications, imaging spectrum and mimics

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Mucinous appendiceal neoplasms are rare but carry malignant potential.
• Peritoneal seeding and pseudomyxoma peritonei can arise from these neoplasms.
• Accurate preoperative diagnosis is challenging due to varied presentations and imaging overlap with benign conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive multi-modality pictorial essay on mucinous appendiceal neoplasms.
• To detail imaging findings based on the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) classification.
• To illustrate common imaging mimics of these neoplasms.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging findings for mucinous appendiceal neoplasms.
• Correlation with the 2010 WHO pathologic classification.
• Multi-modality imaging approach (e.g., CT, MRI, Ultrasound).

Main Results:

• Detailed description of the spectrum of imaging appearances of mucinous appendiceal neoplasms.
• Identification of key imaging features differentiating neoplasms from mimics.
• Emphasis on the importance of imaging in surgical planning.

Conclusions:

• Prospective imaging identification of appendiceal neoplasms is vital for patient management.
• Right hemicolectomy with lymph node dissection is the preferred surgery for suspected mucinous appendiceal neoplasms.
• This essay aids radiologists in diagnosing and differentiating mucinous appendiceal neoplasms.