Appendiceal Mucocele: A Rare Pathological Entity but an Important Differential Diagnosis

Appendiceal mucocele (AM) is an obstructive dilatation of the appendix by the intraluminal accumulation of mucoid material which has been recognized by Rokitansky in 1842 and was formally defined by Feren in 1876 [1]. Its clinical presentation can vary from the patient being asymptomatic in 50% cases of the patient exhibiting symptoms that mimic those in acute appendicitis or appendicular mass. Tenderness in the right iliac fossa with a palpable mass is two most common presenting symptoms but appendiceal mucocele can represent in different ways also (e.g. Nausea, vomiting, bowel habit change, abdominal lump or colicky pain) [2]. In 50% cases, the appendiceal mucocele is an incidental finding at the time of surgery and recognition of the disease is important because of potential for associated malignancy and development of complication pseudomyxoma peritonei due to rupture during surgery [3]. The 5-year prognosis of malignant mucoceles can fall from 90% to 25% as a result of complications of pseudomyxoma peritonei [4]. Therefore, it is essential that clinicians are aware of the disease and diagnose it before surgery to prevent its complications. In this study review of the literature was done based on incidence, clinical presentation, complication, and management to understand the importance of awareness for appendiceal mucocele.