Abstract
A case of mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix accidentally found at an operation for a gastric cancer is reported. A 71-year-old man underwent a distal gastrectomy for an early gastric cancer. During abdominal exploration, mucous like geratinoid substance attached to the serosa of the appendix was identified, and a 1×1cm concomitant tumor was palpable at the root of the appendix. It was diagnosed as rupture of the appendiceal mucocele, and ileocecal resection was added. Histological examination showed that the lumen of the appendix was filled by mucous semisolid material, and that the cavity was lined by mucinsereting epithelium arranged in a papillary pattern. Microscopic diagnosis was reptured mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix.
Twelve cases of mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix have been reported in Japan, including this case. The most common complaint was right lower abdominal mass (5 cases), followed abdominal pain (3 cases). Three out of the 12 cases were asymptomatic and accidentally detected like this case. The importance of the whole exploration at the abdomonal operation should be emphasized.
