Carcinoid tumors of the appendix in children: a reminder

Carcinoid tumors are rare malignant neuroendocrine tumors found mainly in the bowel, stomach and lung, and they are the most common tumors of the appendix. Clinical presentation of these tumors is similar to acute appendicitis, but more commonly they are found incidentally on appendectomy, abdominal surgery or histological examination of the surgical specimen. The purpose of this report is to describe a 14-year-old female with carcinoid of the appendix, and to remind pediatricians of this rare tumor, as clinical awareness and early diagnosis are important in preventing morbidity and mortality.