Appendiceal mucocele. a retrospective analysis of 19 cases

Abstract

Background: Appendiceal mucocele is an infrequent well-recognized entity that can present in a variety of clinical syndromes or can be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally.

Patients and methods: Nineteen patients with a diagnosis of primary appendiceal mucocele treated in our institution between January 1, 1987 and December 31, 2006 were included in this retrospective analysis.

Results: The histological examination of the specimens revealed simple and hyperplastic appendiceal mucocele in nine cases (47%), mucinous appendiceal cystadenoma in eight cases (42%), and mucinous appendiceal cystadenocarcinoma in two cases (11%). Thirteen patients (68%) underwent appendectomy, five patients (26%) right colectomy, and two patients (6%) underwent right colectomy for invasive appendiceal cystadenocarcinoma and at the same time right nephrectomy and sigmoidectomy, respectively, for concomitant malignancy.

Conclusion: Mucocele of the appendix may be related to a benign or malignant appendiceal process, leading to individualized diagnosis and treatment.