Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm: Nurse Education About a Rare and Complex Disease.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (AMNs) are a rare and complex spectrum of disease involving a mucinous tumor within the appendix, which can range from benign to malignant. If not limited to the appendix, the mucinous tumor can spread diffusely throughout the peritoneum.

OBJECTIVES: Because of the low incidence of AMN, this study describes the diagnosis and treatment process for this disease, which is not well known to most care providers.

METHODS: An extensive analysis of the current literature, including incidence, diagnosis, and surgical treatment, was performed. A review of the pre- and postoperative needs for patients undergoing surgery was also conducted.

FINDINGS: There is minimal information in the nursing literature about AMN and the complexity of surgical management. Nurses play an important role in caring for these patients and their unique needs both before and after surgery.