A case of signet ring carcinoma of the appendix: Dilemmas in differential diagnosis and management

Aikaterini Mastoraki, Ioannis S. Papanikolaou, Dimitrios Kanakis, Panagiotis Safioleas, George Sakorafas, Michael Safioleas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose Signet ring carcinoma (SRC) of the appendix consists one of the most biologically virulent cancers. We present the case of a patient with primary SRC complicated by the development of acute inflammation of the appendix. Case Report A 78-year-old man was admitted due to a 5-day history of increasing colicky abdominal pain and vomiting. Clinical examination revealed a firm, tender mass in the right ileac fossa. Laparotomy confirmed a tumor mass which appeared to originate from the appendix. The affected part of the bowel was resected and a right hemicolectomy with an end-to-side ileotransverse anastomosis was performed. The appendix was notably thickened with an ulcerated wall containing sinus tracts, chronic inflammation, and scarring. Moreover, a focus of SRC was detected. Conclusions Appendiceal SRC is a rare entity, which may sometimes be confused with other pathologies providing difficulties in differential diagnosis, having an impact on therapeutic decisions and affecting prognosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)141-144
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Gastrointestinal Cancer
Volume41
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2010

Keywords

  • Appendix
  • Literature review
  • Signet ring carcinoma
  • Surgical management

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