Case Series: Appendiceal Mucocele and Literature Review

Abstract

Appendiceal neoplasms are rare, with an incidence of 0.12 cases per 1,000,000 population per year. Most cases are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally after imaging studies. The World Health Organization classification includes non-invasive epithelial lesions (low-grade mucinous neoplasms, high-grade mucinous neoplasms), invasive epithelial adenocarcinomas (mucinous or non-mucinous), and non-epithelial neuroendocrine tumors. Early diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele is challenging due to lack of symptoms, often found incidentally intraoperatively or on imaging. Ultrasound may demonstrate a cystic appendiceal lesion with "onion skin" appearance. CT shows a well-defined cystic lesion with mural calcification, differentiating it from abscess. Colonoscopy may reveal a "volcano sign" mass at the appendiceal orifice. Though rare, appendiceal mucocele requires surgical resection for treatment once diagnosed. Early detection through vigilant imaging interpretation is crucial for appropriate management of these neoplasms.