Retroperitoneal appendiceal mucocele: A rare cause of painful right iliac fossa mass

Abstract

Appendiceal mucocele is a rare condition in which mucin accumulates in the appendix. Symptoms can vary, with some patients experiencing pain and/or a mass in the right iliac fossa, while others may not have symptoms. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by histopathological examination to determine whether the mucocele is of benign or malignant aetiology. Treatment usually involves surgery, such as appendicectomy or right hemicolectomy, depending on factors like the size of the mucocele, involvement of the base of the appendix, and histopathologic findings. We present the case of an 85-year-old woman with right iliac fossa pain and a palpable mass diagnosed with an appendiceal mucocele by computed tomography scan and confirmed by histopathology after exploratory laparotomy and right hemicolectomy. The patient was well at six months follow-up.