The appendiceal carcinoid tumor is usually innocuous (Kulke & Mayer, 1999). A small tumor, it is often found by accident when the appendix is removed for some other reason. It can, however, contribute to acute appendicitis in rare cases, such as what took place in this case. It is diagnoses in females more frequently than males, but it is believed to be equally prevalent in both sexes (Kulke & Mayer, 1999).
These types of tumors typically invade the lymph system, muscular layers, and the peritoneal area, but they rarely metastasize (Sandor & Modlin, 1998). They can become malignant, but that is even more rare than metastasis. Generally, an appendectomy is the way to treat this tumor and since this is what took place in this case, there is no further cause for concern (Hemminki & Li, 2001). If the tumor becomes very large, however, a right hemicolectomy may be required (Safioleas et al., 2005). This is a rare occurrence that most people with these tumors do not need to concern themselves with.
Medicine is not always what it seems to be and people who come in with seemingly 'innocent' complaints can really have something much more serious...
The reverse is also true, like the 'heart attack' that turned out to be gas pain or anxiety. Each person is also very different. The above patient recovered well even though he was frightened when he arrived, but not everyone is so lucky. When it comes to treating people, it is very important not to forget that nothing is completely routine. That is how mistakes are made, so it is vital that each person is examined properly and the real cause of their problem is discovered.
References
Hemminki, K and Li, X. (2001). Incidence trends and risk factors for carcinoid tumors. A nationwide epidemiologic study from Sweden. Cancer. 92(8), 2204-2210.
Kulke, MH and Mayer, RJ (1999) Carcinoid tumors. New England Journal of Medicine. 340(11), 858-868.
Safioleas, MC, Moulakakis, KG, Kontzoglou, K, Stamoulis, J, Nikou, GC, Toubanakis, C, and Lygidakis, NJ. (2005). Carcinoid tumors of the appendix. Prognostic factors and evaluation of indications for right hemicolectomy. Hepatogastroenterology. 52(61), 123-127.
Sandor, a and Modlin, IM. (1998). A retrospective analysis of 1570 appendiceal carcinoids. The American…
