[Appendiceal tumors. Clinicopathologic review of 5,307 appendectomies].
BACKGROUND
Appendix tumors are unusual, accounting for 0.4% of all gastrointestinal- tract malignancies. Although rare, the spectrum of malignant disease is complex and has led to confusion with regard to accurate description of the natural history of these tumors. Consequently, many errors in diagnosis and treatment have occurred.


OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to analyze incidence and clinic-pathologic behavior of appendiceal tumors.


METHODS
Our study type was retrospective, observational, longitudinal, and descriptive, and was conducted at a secondary-care-level hospital. From a single care center, a histopathologic database of 5,307 appendectomies, all appendiceal tumors, was identified and case notes were reviewed. Analysis of clinical presentation, histopathology, operation, and outcome is presented.


RESULTS
During a 10-year period (5,307 appendectomies), 31 patients (0.58%) with appendiceal tumors were identified: 11 had carcinoid tumors, 18 benign, and two patients had malignant tumors. Acute appendicitis was the most common presentation (79.1%), and 20.3% were normal appendices. Patients with appendiceal tumor included 23 females and eight males with mean age of 48 years. Ninety seven percent of patients had preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Appendiceal tumors are uncommon and most commonly present as acute appendicitis. Macroscopic suspicion during surgery is the most important point to make the best decision.
Esmer-Sánchez
David Daniel
DD
Servicio de Gastrocirugía, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS. esmer_david@hotmail.com
Martínez-Ordaz
José Luis
JL
Román-Zepeda
Pedro
P
Sánchez-Fernández
Patricio
P
Medina-González
Enrique
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001062:Appendectomy; D001063:Appendiceal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies