Revista de epigenética clínica Acceso abierto

Abstracto

Adenocarcinoma Ex Goblet Cell Carcinoid (GCC) of the Appendix: Report of Five Cases and Pitfalls in Diagnosis of GCC

Jinhua Piao

Introduction:
Neoplasm of the appendix is relatively rare, with only 0.9-1.4% of all appendectomy specimens
found to have it [1,2]. The GCC was first described in 1974 as a separate entity [3], and counts
for less than 5% of all primary appendix neoplasms, with an average age of 58.8 [4].
Adenocarcinoma ex goblet cell carcinoid is an uncommon entity characterized by both
neuroendocrine differentiation and adenocarcinoma of the colon. Its histogenesis and
pathogenesis still remain controversial [5-9], although it has been suggested that GCC cells are
from lysozyme-producing cells in small intestinal crypts [10]. Initially, GCC was believed to be
a low-grade malignancy [3], however, later studies suggested higher malignant potentials of the
GCC compared to the classic appendix carcinoids [11]. In this study, we reported five new cases
with symptoms of or mimicking appendicitis, and radiology imaging findings suggestive of
appendicitis or an appendiceal abscess. We reviewed the literature and discussed the importance
of meticulous sampling and the pitfalls of misdiagnosis due to the presence of diverticulitis in
some of these patients.