Giant Mucinous Carcinoma Originating from the Appendix: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms can involve peritoneal pseudomyxoma or invasion of adjacent organs. This report describes a rare case in which a giant appendiceal mucinous carcinoma expansively developed in the retroperitoneum without perforating the abdominal cavity. Case presentation The patient was a 55-year-old woman with no relevant history who was admitted to our hospital after imaging examinations revealed a retroperitoneal tumor. The clinical diagnosis was a retroperitoneal tumor involving the hedge mucin. The patient underwent right hemicolectomy and partial resection of the duodenum and right abdominal wall to ensure complete tumor resection. Histopathological findings suggested that the tumor was a mucinous carcinoma arising from the appendix. The postoperative course was uneventful. Although adjuvant chemotherapy was performed for 6 months, peritoneal recurrence developed 7 years and 4 months postoperatively. Nine years have passed after surgery and the patient is alive under receiving chemotherapy. Conclusion Detailed pathological examinations revealed that the tumor originated from the appendix. The characteristics of mucinous carcinoma contributed to the extensive growth of the tumor.

Histopathological Diagnosis of a Case of Mucin-Secreting Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix

“…However, in asymptomatic patients, the spread of mucin-secreting cells beyond the boundaries of the appendix leads to the accumulation of mucin in the abdominal cavity, causing abdominal distention, eventually leading to dyspepsia, early satiety, and a lack of hunger due to the pressure effect [ 4 ]. Metastasis outside of the peritoneal cavity is very rare [ 6 ]. The patient may also mimic a scenario of acute presentation with pain in the right lower quadrant and fever.…”