Surveillance Colonoscopy Revealing Asymptomatic Low-Grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Oncology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms are rare tumors presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• Traditional diagnosis relies on imaging or intraoperative findings, with endoscopic diagnosis being uncommon.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old male with a history of colonic neoplasia underwent routine surveillance colonoscopy.
• A 1cm, submucosal, benign-appearing mass was identified in the appendix during colonoscopy.
• The patient was asymptomatic and denied any symptoms related to mucinous neoplasms.

Findings:

• Histopathology confirmed the appendiceal mass as a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm.
• The patient underwent successful laparoscopic appendectomy with no complications.
• The diagnosis was made incidentally during an endoscopic procedure.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for colonoscopy to detect appendiceal mucinous neoplasms, even in asymptomatic individuals.
• It expands the known spectrum of presentations and diagnostic modalities for these rare gastrointestinal tumors.
• Early detection through endoscopic surveillance may improve patient outcomes for appendiceal mucinous neoplasms.