Low-grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm in a Middle-aged Female: A Case Report

Abstract

Mucinous Appendiceal Neoplasms (MANs) are rare tumours where more than 50% of the tumour volume is composed of extracellular mucin. Low-grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm (LAMN) is a rare condition with symptoms that vary depending on clinical manifestations. It can manifest as an unruptured mucin-filled appendix, transmural invasion of the primary tumour, or present with peritoneal metastases post-rupture. The prognosis of LAMN depends on the presence or absence of neoplastic epithelium outside the appendix. Here, the authors describe a case of 35-year-old female who visited the OPD of Emergency Medicine with only complain of pain in abdomen for three days. She exhibited right iliac fossa tenderness with no guarding during the abdominal examination. She underwent an open appendectomy and was diagnosed with LAMN upon histopathological examination. She was advised to follow up after six months post-discharge to monitor for any metastatic spread. Due to its malignant potential, mucinous lesions of the appendix are uncommon yet significant entities. They are more prevalent in women and can range from mucinous adenocarcinomas to straightforward retention cysts. This case illustrates the need for extreme caution when dealing with appendiceal tumours and the importance of selecting the appropriate course of action, be it surgical or medical.

Keywords

• appendix
• cancer
• gastrointestinal system
• mucin
• tumour