Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix--an unusual cause of intestinal obstruction.

INTRODUCTION

Report of a rare presentation of mucinous cystadenoma of the vermiform appendix.

CLINICAL PICTURE: A lady who presented with intestinal obstruction and peritonitis was found to have gangrenous small bowel caused by strangulation by a tumour of the appendix.

TREATMENT: Right hemicolectomy.

OUTCOME: The histology of the appendicular tumour was mucinous cystadenoma. The patient recovered well.

CONCLUSION

Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix can present in many ways and it is important to recognise the pathology at operation.