Carcinoid Tumours of the Appendix

Rare overall but represent the most common tumour of the appendix

Aetiology

  • Carcinoid tumours are rare, slow-growing tumours that originate in cells of the diffuse neuroendocrine system
  • Carcinoid tumours of the appendix can be seen in 1 out of every 300 appendectomies

Clinical presentation

  • Can present as the obstructive cause of acute appendicitis or less commonly a mucocele
  • Carcinoid syndrome secondary to appendiceal carcinoids is exceedingly rare

Management

  • Patient presenting with appendicitis will undergo an appendectomy
  • If biopsy reveals a carcinoid tumour:
    • If <1cm appendectomy is enough
    • If >2cm right hemicolectomy