Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix in Elderly: Diagnostic Dilemma

Abstract

Acute appendicitis in elderly continue to be a diagnostic dilemma as it raises both the suspicion of malignancy and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Cancers of the appendix are rare and most of them are found accidentally on appendectomies performed for acute appendicitis. When reviewed, the majority of the tumors were carcinoid, adenoma, and lymphoma. Adenocarcinomas of appendix are only 0.08% of all cancers and the treatment remains controversial. This paper presents a case of 75-year-old female presented to the emergency (ER) with signs and symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendectomy was planned after a CT scan was done as it was suggesting acute appendicitis. The specimen then was sent for pathology lab and a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the appendix was made.