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[Carcinoid of the appendix. Observations on 4 cases]
L Bonati1, P Rubini, E Pavarini
1Istituto di Clinica Chirurgica Generale e dei Trapianti d'Organo, Università degli Studi, Parma.
Minerva Chirurgica
|October 22, 1998
Summary
Appendiceal carcinoid tumors are rare. Small tumors treated with appendectomy have good outcomes, but larger, aggressive tumors can be fatal.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Carcinoid tumors of the vermiform appendix are uncommon neoplasms.
- Diagnosis is often incidental during appendectomy for suspected appendicitis.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis, leading to appendectomy.
- One patient had a bulky tumor causing ileal occlusion, necessitating right hemicolectomy.
- Aggressive features included cecal infiltration, right colon obstruction, and a rare pulmonary metastasis.
Findings:
- Simple appendectomy was sufficient for tumors <2cm without adverse features.
- The advanced case with aggressive features resulted in a fatal outcome due to postoperative complications.
- Follow-up showed no recurrence in patients treated with appendectomy.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical management are crucial for appendiceal carcinoid tumors.
- Prognosis depends on tumor size, invasiveness, and metastatic potential.
- Further research into the aggressive variants of appendiceal carcinoid is warranted.