Background:

The tumors of the cecal appendix are a rare and heterogeneous group of neoplasms with variable prognosis and evolution, its incidence is very low. Mucinous tumors are defined as a dilated cecal appendix due to an abnormal accumulation of mucin, which may be benign or malign. Within these we find the mucoceles, which according to the latest consensus and classifications no longer include them. In this article we describe our experience in these tumors, we also propose a group to include the mucoceles and we review the literature.

Method:

Descriptive and retrospective study, analyzing all the surgical pieces of cecal appendix during the last 17 years.

Results:

We analyzed 4910 surgical pieces. 36 were included in the group of non-carcinoid benign epithelial neoplasms (NEBNC), in this group 16 were low-grade mucinous neoplasms, 14 mucoceles and 6 tubular adenomas. The most frequent presentation’s form was simulating an acute appendicitis. Surgical treatment was performed by open approach in 22 cases and by laparoscopic approach in 14 cases.

Conclusions:

Symptomatic NEBNC can simulate acute appendicitis but in people with a higher mean age, so this diagnostic should be considered in older patients with nonspecific imaging tests. The recommended treatment is always surgical and it can be possible by laparoscopic approach.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )