Incidental appendiceal neoplasms: Single-centre results

Histopathological examination of appendectomy specimens may reveal malignancies. Based on these results, either appendectomy is sufficient or sometimes a further treatment protocol can be needed. In this study, malignancy-diagnosed cases on appendectomy specimen were examined.

Patients who underwent appendectomy between January 2013 and December 2018 with a pre-diagnosis of acute appendicitis were evaluated retrospectively and those cases with malignancy were included in the study. Patients' age, sex, tumor type, tumor diameter, tumor grade, tumor localization, surgical margin, Ki-67 index, state of lymphovascular invasion, state of peri-neural invasion, and follow-up period duration were recorded.

On examination of 2336 appendectomy specimens, 16 patients (0.7%) were found to have neuroendocrine tumors (NET), 11 patients (0.5%) were found to have low-grade mucinous neoplasm (LAMN), and five patients (0.2%) were found to have primary appendix carcinomas. Appendix tumors usually present with acute appendicitis symptoms. Despite re-operation with right hemicolectomy (RHC) being required in the treatment of adenocarcinoma cases, appendectomy provides adequate treatment in most cases with NET and LAMN. With these tumors, which usually have a benign prognosis, it is important to perform the necessary screening in the postoperative period and not to interrupt follow-up.