Abstract

Background: Goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) is an extremely rare tumor of the appendix that demonstrates a wide range of atypical presentations masquerading acute appendicitis. GCC exhibits variable malignant potential and shares the histological features of both carcinoids and adenocarcinoma. These tumors are never diagnosed pre operatively and require a high index of suspicion during the histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis.
Case Report: This case report describes a 54-year-old lady presented to the emergency room with the clinical impression of acute appendicitis. She subsequently underwent an uneventful laparoscopic appendectomy. The histological examination of the specimen reported a well differentiated GCC of the appendix with no cecal infiltration. The post operative imaging was unremarkable whereas the serum chromogranin A level was found to be high. The patient received six cycles of 5-FU and leucovorin and remained well during the follow up.
Conclusions: Although GCC is rare, this should be a diagnostic consideration in suspected appendicitis, especially in old age. Appendectomy is the treatment of choice for low grade tumors localized to the appendix.

Keywords: Chromogranin A, goblet cell carcinoid