Abstract

Background: The most common malignant appendicular neoplasm is the neuroendocrine well-differentiated tumor (NET). Other malignant tumors are uncommon, reported with a frequency of 0.2% of all appendectomies. Aim: To describe the characteristics of appendiceal malignant tumors found in regional hospitals of Northern Chile. Material and Methods: All patients operated for acute appendicitis between 2005 and 2011, in which a malignant appendiceal tumor was found in the pathological study, were analyzed. Clinical and survival information was obtained from medical records and national death registries. Results: We analyzed 8.972 appendectomy records. Appendicular tumors were found in 40 patients (0.4%). Thirty patients (0.3%) had malignant tumors. NET was the most common tumor found in 19 patients (63%). The tumor was smaller than 1 cm in 16 cases (53%). In 5 patients (17%), the tumor was larger than 2 cm with the appendicular base infiltrated by malignant cells. Most patients (83%) presented with stage I tumors. 111 23 patients (77%), the appendectomy was considered sufficient and definitive treatment. Conclusions: In this series of patients, appendicular tumors had similar characteristics to those reported abroad. All patients had a favorable evolution without associated mortality or tumor relapse.