Goblet cell carcinoid of the appendix: Case report of a high grade tumor in a 20-year-old

Abstract

Introduction: Goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) is an extraordinarily rare appendiceal tumor that is usually an incidental diagnosis on post-operative histology. It typically presents in the fifth or sixth decade of life. Our patient is the only reported case study of GCC in a pediatric-young adult. Due to its potentially poor prognosis, GCC is surgically treated as an adenocarcinoma, with right hemicolectomy as the mainstay of treatment. Presentation of case The patient was a 20-year-old male who presented with a history, physical exam, and work up consistent with acute appendicitis. He underwent an uneventful laparoscopic appendectomy and was diagnosed with a high grade GCC post-operatively. Discussion GCC is a rare tumor of the appendix with unique histological features including small rosettes with crescentic nuclei distended with mucin. It is often retroactively diagnosed with histology after a majority of patients present with acute appendicitis symptoms. The behavior of this tumor in pediatric-young adults is very poorly understood. Conclusion: We review the literature for GCC of the appendix and illustrate a case report of a young, otherwise healthy 20-year-old who presented as appendicitis. Although rare, neoplasm must be kept in mind while offering non-operative management for acute appendicitis.