# Incidental Neoplasm and Histopathological Spectrum of Suspected Acute Appendicitis in Appendectomy Specimen: An Observational Study

## TL;DR

This study examines appendectomy specimens to identify cases of suspected acute appendicitis and finds that a small percentage contain incidental neoplasms, with carcinoid tumors being the most common.

## Contribution

The study contributes updated data on the frequency of incidental neoplasms in appendectomy specimens, highlighting carcinoid tumors as the most common type.

## Key findings

- 8.57% of appendectomy cases had negative appendectomies.
- 6 (1.87%) specimens were suggestive of neoplasms, with 3 (0.94%) being carcinoid tumors.
- Findings align with previous studies on the rarity of appendiceal neoplasms.

## Abstract

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency and histopathological studies are the gold standard for confirmation of clinical diagnosis and key methods of discovering appendiceal neoplasm. Appendiceal neoplasms are uncommon and are mostly identified by pathologic examination after appendectomy for presumed appendicitis as an incidental finding.

An observational cross-section study was conducted at a Medical College from 1st August 2022 to 31st July 2024. Appendectomy specimens were included in the study after obtaining consent. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: IRC-LMC 05/S-22). Descriptive analysis was done, frequency and proportion were calculated.

Among 350 appendectomy cases, 30 (8.57%) cases had negative appendectomies. Out of total 320 patients, 183 (57.19%) were male and 137 (42.81%) were female. Histopathological findings suggestive of acute appendicitis were observed in 164 (51.25%) specimens and there were 6 (1.87%) specimens suggestive of neoplasms. Amongst the neoplasm of appendix 3 (0.94%) were carcinoid tumours.

Appendiceal neoplasms are uncommon which was comparable to previous studies. Carcinoid tumour was the most common incidental neoplasm.