Adenocarcinorna of the appendix in pregnancy - A case report

BACKGROUND: Perforation of an adenocarcinoma of the appendix in a pregnant woman is rare and may present as a pelvic mass and acute appendicitis. CASE: A 30-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 2-0-0-2, presented at 26 weeks' gestation with an acute abdomen, right-sided pelvic mass and uterine contractions. Tocolysis and prompt surgical exploration revealed a perforated appendix. The patient underwent a right hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis, her postoperative course was benign, and she delivered a viable infant at term vaginally. Pathology revealed a perforated adenocarcinoma of the appendix. The patient was free of disease at 36 months. CONCLUSION: Adenocarcinoma of the appendix in pregnancy is rare, may present as an acute abdomen with a mass and is managed with right hemicolectomy.