Appendix adenocarcinoma associated with ulcerative colitis: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) represents a risk factor for colorectal cancer, but the association between UC and appendix cancer is uncommon. A 60–year–old woman with a 5–year history of UC initially received medical treatment with mesalazine and prednisone with no satisfactory response; therefore surgery was indicated. The procedure was a total intersphincteric proctocolectomy with ileostomy. Histopathological analysis indicated adenocarcinoma from the cecal appendix, and chronic–active ulcerative colitis of the colon. In conclusion, surgeons and pathologists should examine every surgical specimen from patients with UC because of the possibility, although remote, of a neoplasic pathology. The appendix adenocarcinoma and ulcerative colitis may or may not be associated, same as colon cancer in patients with UC.