Incidental diagnosis of a low-grade mucinous appendicular neoplasm: A case report

Low-Grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasms (LAMN) are noninvasive epithelial tumors of the appendix. Symptomatology is unspecific and can simulate appendicitis. The multidisciplinary approach for the correct diagnosis and management of this kind of tumor is important, as the prognosis depends on it.

A 70-years-old man with an appendiceal picture is presented. McBurney and Blumberg's signs were found and the Echography has reported an acute appendicitis. He underwent laparoscopic surgery, founding a Tumor in the Cecum of 10 × 5 cm. We decided to perform an appendectomy with a total cecectomy. The pathological diagnosis was a LAMN. Ten months later, a Computed Tomography (CT) Scan control was performed reporting no evidence of Tumoral activity or Distance Metastasis, neither pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) evidence.

LAMN has been a very controversial tumor. The definitive management is appendectomy. There are controversies about the laparoscopic and open approach, and when there are positive margins. The stage was a pTis (LAMN) pNx according to the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). The prognosis depends on the tumoral stage and the presence of PMP. In our case, we have performed a CT scan follow up and there was no Tumoral activity or Distance Metastasis, neither PMP evidence.

LAMN is a very interesting and rare tumor. The diagnosis of this case was a real challenge. Our management was simple due to the tumoral stage. Pathology played a very important role in treatment and prognosis.