Abstract
Background:
Appendiceal mucocele (AM) is an uncommon pathology of the appendix characterized by the accumulation of mucoid material in the lumen. It is often not considered when problems of the right lower quadrant of the abdomen present to the gynecologist.
Case:
A 66-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital's gynecology clinic with a right lower quadrant abdominal pain and a pelvic mass 6 cm in diameter palpable on bimanual pelvic examination. Her routine laboratory test results were normal. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a semisolid mass in the right adnexa 40×65 mm in diameter, which was thought to arise in the right ovary. At the time of laparotomy, a 4×6 cm tumor arising from the distal end of the appendix was noted.
Results:
An appendectomy with tumor removal was performed. Histologic examination of the surgical specimen revealed mucinous cystadenoma with associated AM.
Conclusions:
Although AM is rare and its signs and symptoms are nonspecific, because of its anatomic position, this tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a right adnexal mass. (J GYNECOL SURG 32:51)