Xanthogranulomatous appendicitis with elevated tumor marker misdiagnosed as cecal cancer: a case report

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is an uncommon chronic inflammatory disease that develops most often in the kidneys and gallbladder. However, xanthogranulomatous appendicitis 45eXA is rare. Herein, we present a case of XA, with an elevated tumor marker, misdiagnosed as cecal cancer. A 76-year-old woman was referred to our hospital. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) levels were elevated. By computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, we diagnosed as suspected cecal cancer and performed laparoscopic-assisted ileocecal resection. The pathological diagnosis was XA. Her CA19-9 level decreased to within normal limits. XA is a condition that results from an unusual healing pattern of appendicitis. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This is the first case of XA with elevated CA 19-9 levels. In this case, XA may have had the potential for malignancy. Our case report can aid in the understanding of these rare cases and, as a result, improve their prognosis.