History: 62 yo female with h/o renal insufficiency and breast cancer. Evaluate disease status.
Solution: Mucocele of the appendix
A mucocele is defined as distention of the appendix with sterile mucous. It can be secondary to an obstructive process, but can also be related to mucosal hyperplasia, cystadenoma, or even cystadenocarcinoma. Generally is seen in middle aged females and is associated with a 6 fold increase in the risk for colonic adenocarcinoma. Can be asymptomatic, or present as a palpable mass +/- pain. Peripheral punctate and rim-like calcifications are common. Can rupture with subsequent pseudomyxoma peritonei, can torse and become infected, and also can lead to intussusception, and bowel obstruction.
A mucocele is defined as distention of the appendix with sterile mucous. It can be secondary to an obstructive process, but can also be related to mucosal hyperplasia, cystadenoma, or even cystadenocarcinoma. Generally is seen in middle aged females and is associated with a 6 fold increase in the risk for colonic adenocarcinoma. Can be asymptomatic, or present as a palpable mass +/- pain. Peripheral punctate and rim-like calcifications are common. Can rupture with subsequent pseudomyxoma peritonei, can torse and become infected, and also can lead to intussusception, and bowel obstruction.
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