Mucocele of the Appendix as a Rare Differential Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

Background: Mucocele of the appendix is a rare condition that frequently mimics a right ovarian tumor. There is no specific imaging technique that is able to deterrmine the correct diagnosis preoperatively. Case: The case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with a mucocele of the cecal appendix mimicking an ovarian cancer, in which the diagnosis was determined intraoperatively, is reported. Results: This patient's postsurgical recovery went well, without complaints or complications, and she was discharged from the hospital on the 4th postoperative day. Two months after the surgical procedure, she remains asymptomatic. Conclusions: Mucocele of the appendix is a luminal distension of the cecal appendix caused by an accumulation of mucinous material. Its clinical presentation has nonspecific symptoms. Currently available imaging techniques do not provide a definite preoperative diagnosis. Therefore, the proper diagnosis is only made during a laparotomy. Although rare, mucocele of the appendix must be considered as a differential diagnosis of right ovarian cancer. ( J GYNECOL SURG 27:167)