MUCINOUS CYST ADENOMA OF APPENDIX, OF UNUSUAL SIZE IN A YOUNG MAN

Abstract

Introduction

The dilatation of the vermiform appendix produced by an intra luminal accumulation of mucus is called appendiceal mucocele [1,2]. The most common cause of appendiceal mucocele is mucinous cystadenoma, seen in 50% of appendiceal mucocele. 6% of patients with appendiceal mucocele develop peritoneal pseudomyxoma, possibly through dissemination of the epithelial cells into the abdominal cavity [3-6]. Preoperative diagnosis of the lesion is helpful in order to deal with it carefully during surgery. CT scan is the most precise radiological test, although there are no pathognomonic signs of mucocele. It usually presents late in middle age. Commonly it presents as abdominal mass of few cm size. Giant enlargement is rare without abdominal symptoms [7]. We present an unusual case of an appendiceal mucocele in a young patient caused by a mucinous cystadenoma clinically presented as a painless, giant retroperitoneal mass. Diagnosis was made intra operatively and confirmed by histopathological examination of excised intra abdominal mass.