Ascending colon adenocarcinoma presenting as appendicitis

Abstract

Background: Appendicitis is a pathology that occurs more in the younger population. The occurrence of appendicitis in the middle aged is uncommon and presentations may be sinister to other causes. The clinical presentation of appendicitis in our index patient with incongruous laboratory findings prompted further evaluation that eventually revealed the underlying cause.

Method: A middle-aged man presented with features of recurrent appendicitis with equivocal laboratory work-up. Abdominal sonography as well as computerized tomograms (CT scan) were done as well as colonoscopy.

Result: Abdominal sonography was inconclusive and contrast-enhanced CT scan done was suggestive of appendicitis as a stenosing lesion of the proximal right colon. Colonoscopy done revealed proximal ascending colon tumor which was biopsied with histopathology report of adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion: The unusual occurrence of appendicitis in the middle-aged should prompt the likelihood of an underlying pathology hence; the surgeon should always broaden his mind when evaluating such.