A Rare Condition Mimicking an Ovarian Neoplasm: A Mucocele of the Appendix

Background: A mucocele of the appendix is a very rare occurrence, which presents with nonspecific symptoms and can be asymptomatic. This mass is often misdiagnosed as an ovarian neoplasm, leading to unnecessary investigations. This diagnostic error is recognized only during surgery. Case: A 51-year-old (para 2, with 2 live births) woman presented with abdominal pain. She was scheduled for a total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in view of her having a right ovarian cystic neoplasm with thickened endometrium noted on ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scans. Intraoperatively, it was noted that she had a gangrenous appendicular mass, thus she underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy and a right ovarian cystostomy instead of the operations that had been planned. Results: The mass was later confirmed as a mucocele of the appendix via a histopathology examination. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4, and her postoperative period was uneventful. Conclusions: Laparoscopy can be considered for a patient with a benign mucocele of the appendix. A gynecologist should always consider the possibility of an appendix mucocele or neoplasm in a patient with a right adnexal mass.