Does mesoappendix infiltration predict a worse prognosis in incidental neuroendocrine tumors of the appendix? A clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 15 cases

Am J Clin Pathol. 2003 Nov;120(5):706-11. doi: 10.1309/199V-D990-LVHP-TQUM.

Abstract

We conducted a retrospective clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of the biologic significance of mesoappendix infiltration in 15 appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors selected from a series of 42 primary tumors. In all cases, the tumor was found incidentally and measured less than 2 cm (mean, 0.84 cm). In 13 cases, it was located in the tip of the appendix and in the midportion in 2. Histologically, none showed relationship with overlying mucosa. Necrosis was absent; mitotic figures were rare. The Ki-67 labeling index was low (1%-2%). In all cases, S-100 protein immunostaining disclosed positive elements with cytoplasmic dendritic processes closely intermingled with neuroendocrine neoplastic cells. All patients (8 males; 7 females; mean age, 38.2 years) underwent simple appendectomy. A right-sided hemicolectomy was performed subsequently in 1 case. After a mean follow-up of 52.6 months (range, 8-143 months), none had died of disease or had recurrent or metastatic disease. Our results confirm that appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors seem to have a different phenotype from those occurring in other gastrointestinal sites. Tumors less than 2 cm, even with mesoappendiceal infiltration, have an excellent prognosis, and simple appendectomy seems to be the appropriate therapeutic approach.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Appendiceal Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Appendiceal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Appendix / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Keratins / analysis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / chemistry
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology*
  • Prognosis
  • S100 Proteins / analysis

Substances

  • S100 Proteins
  • Keratins