Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms combined with incidental gallbladder cancer: a case report

Mucinous tumors of the appendix are relatively rare compared to other gastrointestinal tumors, but their incidence tends to gradually increase. Due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations, mucinous tumors of the appendix are prone to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. According to different pathological types, mucinous tumors of the appendix can be roughly divided into low-grade mucinous tumors and high-grade mucinous tumors, with significant differences in prognosis. Gallbladder cancer is the most common type of malignant tumor in the biliary system, with a high degree of malignancy, poor prognosis, and consistently high mortality rate. With the widespread promotion of laparoscopic technology, an increasing number of gallbladder cancers are accidentally discovered after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, indicating an upward trend in incidental gallbladder cancer.

A 73-year-old man presented with 2 days of intermittent right lower abdominal pain, diagnosed as "acute appendicitis" in the outpatient clinic, and subsequently hospitalized. Following further operation, he was found to have two primary cancers. After discussing the treatment plan of both conditions, the patient opted for a strategy of close monitoring to avoid unnecessary secondary surgery. He remains under regular follow-up.

This article provides a detailed report on a case of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms combined with incidental gallbladder cancer. Through intraoperative specimen retrieval bag use and tailored surveillance, meticulous surgical and follow-up strategies can optimize outcomes and offer novel insights for the multidisciplinary management of synchronous rare tumors.