Rare overall but represent the most common tumour of the appendix

Aetiology

• Carcinoid tumours are rare, slow-growing tumours that originate in cells of the diffuse neuroendocrine system
• Carcinoid tumours of the appendix can be seen in 1 out of every 300 appendectomies

Clinical features

• Can present as the obstructive cause of acute appendicitis or less commonly a mucocele
• Carcinoid syndrome secondary to appendiceal carcinoids is exceedingly rare

Management

• Patient presenting with appendicitis will undergo an appendectomy
• If biopsy reveals a carcinoid tumour:
  • If <1cm appendectomy is enough
  • If >2cm right hemicolectomy