Appendicitis masking as recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

The diagnosis of pelvic recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix is made on the basis of clinical assessment and radiologic confirmation. Occasionally the diagnosis is confused with sequelae of radiation therapy. The authors describe the symptoms and signs of appendicitis mimicking recurrent squamous cell carcinoma in a 43-year-old female. A 10-year search of the literature has failed to detect another case report or review. The authors believe that, if there is ever any doubt as to the diagnosis of pelvic recurrent squamous cell cancer, exploratory laparotomy and biopsies are warranted for confirmation.