Silent and Surprising Pathology: Appendix Tumors-Incidental Finding of a Rare Mucinous Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma

Appendiceal epithelial tumors are a rare finding in comparison with the incidence of colorectal cancer that is approximately 100-fold higher. As appendiceal neoplasms and colorectal cancer have a different clinical and tumoral behavior, these tumors are classified separately in the various tumor classifications. Most appendiceal neoplasms are found during surgery or postoperatively in appendectomy specimens. Given the possibility of neoplastic peritoneal dissemination, the lack of symptoms is a serious problem.

However, the percentage of appendiceal tumors that is incidentally discovered by imaging is increasing over time. Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix is exceedingly rare and frequently has an extremely poor prognosis because it is diagnosed in advanced stages.