Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma Masquerading as a Chronic Intra-abdominal Abscess

Appendiceal adenocarcinoma is a rare gastrointestinal malignancy that often presents with nonspecific symptoms and is frequently misdiagnosed as acute or chronic appendicitis. This condition is often characterized by chronic lower right quadrant abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, and weight loss. Diagnostic delay is common, particularly in patients managed conservatively or those with comorbid conditions that obscure abdominal symptomatology. We present a case of appendiceal adenocarcinoma discovered following recurrent appendicitis complicated by chronic intra-abdominal abscess in an 81-year-old man with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PCKD). Given the patient's age and comorbidities, palliative care was pursued. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of appendiceal malignancy, particularly in patients with recurrent appendicitis and PCKD, failed conservative management, and comorbid conditions that may obscure the diagnostic process.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-02-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.103054
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Intraperitoneal and Appendiceal Malignancies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
39.15
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article

Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma Masquerading as a Chronic Intra-abdominal Abscess

S. M. Newell, Lydia Ta, Jude Aguillard, Stephen C Wheelis et al.
1 citations
Cureus
Intraperitoneal and Appendiceal Malignancies
39.15
article

Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma Masquerading as a Chronic Intra-abdominal Abscess

S. M. Newell, Lydia Ta, Jude Aguillard, Stephen C Wheelis, Sabeen Wazir
article en
1 citations

Abstract

Appendiceal adenocarcinoma is a rare gastrointestinal malignancy that often presents with nonspecific symptoms and is frequently misdiagnosed as acute or chronic appendicitis. This condition is often characterized by chronic lower right quadrant abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, and weight loss. Diagnostic delay is common, particularly in patients managed conservatively or those with comorbid conditions that obscure abdominal symptomatology. We present a case of appendiceal adenocarcinoma discovered following recurrent appendicitis complicated by chronic intra-abdominal abscess in an 81-year-old man with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PCKD). Given the patient's age and comorbidities, palliative care was pursued. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of appendiceal malignancy, particularly in patients with recurrent appendicitis and PCKD, failed conservative management, and comorbid conditions that may obscure the diagnostic process.

CureusVol. 18(2)
CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital (US), Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 1%
Intraperitoneal and Appendiceal Malignancies
39.15
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Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma Masquerading as a Chronic Intra-abdominal Abscess — S. M. Newell, Lydia Ta, et al. · Cureus (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS