Young-onset colon adenocarcinoma masquerading as acute appendicitis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Colon adenocarcinoma is rare in young adults.
• Appendicitis is a common cause of abdominal pain in this demographic.
• Diagnostic challenges arise when symptoms overlap.

Observation:

• A young adult male presented with vague abdominal pain, initially suspected as appendicitis.
• Abdominal CT showed findings concerning for appendicitis but was indeterminate.
• Exploratory laparotomy revealed an appendiceal mass that was adenocarcinoma.

Findings:

• Pathological examination confirmed invasive adenocarcinoma of the colon.
• Radiological findings mimicked acute appendicitis.
• The appendix was not clearly visualized on CT.

Implications:

• Colorectal adenocarcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis for young adults with abdominal pain and indeterminate CT findings.
• This case underscores the need for thorough evaluation beyond typical appendicitis presentations.
• Early consideration of malignancy can improve patient outcomes.