Appendiceal Carcinoid Tumor in a 16-Year-Old Patient

Abstract

AbstractCarcinoid tumor is the most common neoplasm of the appendix. There is no specific preoperative clinical presentation for appendiceal carcinoids. The usual presentation is as a classic acute appendicitis, but it can also be asymptomatic. Rarely are there symptoms of carcinoid syndrome, which may include diarrhea, flushing, bronchoconstriction, and cardiac valve diseases, especially if there is liver metastasis. Carcinoid tumors are commonly diagnosed retrospectively after histological examination of the resected appendix. Appendiceal carcinoids usually behave as benign tumors, and appendectomy alone is a sufficient treatment in the majority of cases, while for larger lesions, a right hemicolectomy should be performed. The prognosis of patients with local appendiceal carcinoids is excellent. The present study reports the case of a 16-year-old female patient that presented with severe right lower quadrant pain for 2 days. The patient underwent a successful appendectomy and recovered 2 days later. Subsequently, an appendiceal carcinoid tumor located at the proximal half towards the base of the appendix was diagnosed by histopathological examination. A follow-up examination 2 weeks after surgery revealed that the patient was well, with no discomfort. This report aims to determine the prevalence of appendiceal carcinoids in young patients and the definitive management.