A rare case of low grade and metastatic appendiceal neuroendocrine tumor co-existing with severe endometriosis

Abstract

Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumor (NET) is usually an incidental finding after a laparotomy for appendectomy, with a frequency of 2–5 cases per 1,000 appendectomies. Most appendiceal NETs are less than 2 cm in size and nonmetastasizing [1]. We report an unusual case of an appendiceal NET coexisting with severe endometriosis. The NET did not show any changes on the appendiceal surface and was palpated via laparoscopic graspers. It was small and of low histological grade; however, it showed, in contrast to previous reports, local and multiple regional lymph node metastases. Based on a search between 1966 and 2012, we conclude that this co-existence is so far unique in the literature.