PRIMARY CYSTADENOCARCINOMA OF THE APPENDIX PENETRATED TO THE RETROPERITONEUM-REPORT OF A CASE-

Abstract

A rare case of cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix penetrated to the retroperitoneum and developed an abdominal wall abscess is reported. A 75-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of right lower abdominal pain and swelling. Ultrasonography (US) revealed to have an abdominal abscess. Light green gelatinous elements in the discharge from the abscess was evident on the surgical drainage. Barium enema did not visualize the appendix and computed tomography and US showed that a cystic mass lesion existed posteriorly in the cecum. These findings suggested that she probably had a carcinoma of the appendix, and operation was performed. It disclosed that a mucinous cystic lesion penetrated to the abdominal wall, and when the adhered appendix was detached from the retroperitoneum, a large amount of mucinous collection was found in the retroperitoneum cavity. This patient was diagnosed as to have mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix, histopathologically. This might present with a rare clinical manifestation in the disease. This rarity has prompted us to report the present case. There have been few cases of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix which did not present with pseudomucinous cyst but penetrated to the retroperitoneum so far. This paper describes a case presenting with such a rare manifestation.