Retrospective Clinico-pathological and Morphological Analysis of Appendicular Tumors on Appendectomy Specimens for Acute Appendicitis

Abstract

Background and Study Aims: Appendiceal Tumors are rare. Difficult to diagnose, these tumors are often accidentally discovered following acute appendicitis. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical, pathological and morphologic characteristics of these tumors in order to define an appropriate management. Patients and Methods: From a pathological database, all appendiceal tumors found on appendectomy specimens performed between January 2017 and July 2019 were retrospectively analysed. Results: Among the 1480 appendectomies performed, 15 cases of appendiceal tumors were collected (1.01%). The mean age was estimated at 44.7 ± 21.5 years (17-80). Pain in the right iliac fossa was present in all patients. Abdominal ultrasonography coupled with computed tomography (CT) scan led to the diagnosis of appendiceal tumors in 40% of cases (6/15). All patients underwent emergency surgery. An appendectomy was performed in 13 patients (86%). A mucinous tumor was found in 9 patients (60%). In 40% of the cases (6/15), it was a neuroendocrine tumor. Conclusion: Appendiceal tumors are often discovered incidentally on appendectomy specimens for acute appendicitis. They can be seen at any age and their diagnosis is not easy, even with the support of imaging. Ideally, the diagnosis of these tumors should be made preoperatively; this can change the surgical approach and avoid the need for additional surgery. All appendectomy specimens should be examined in histopathology.