Abstract :
An association between chronic granulomatous infection, like tuberculosis and cancer exists, but few
studies elucidate the possible mechanism of development. Break in the mucosal barriers with bacterial
infection and impaired cell mediated immunity are known to be associated with cancer. Gastrointestinal
tuberculosis is common in the ileocecal region, but isolated appendiceal tuberculosis is rare. Cancers of
the appendix are rare and most of them are found accidentally on surgical appendicectomy specimens
performed for appendicitis. The common appendiceal tumors are carcinoid, adenoma and lymphoma.
Adenocarcinoma of the appendix accounts for only 0.08% of all cancers. It usually presents as appendicitis
with evident lump or abscess. We present a case of a 42-year-old lady, who presented with symptoms of
vague abdominal pain with low grade fever for 4 months and was diagnosed as appendiceal tuberculosis
with coexistent mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix. Appendicectomy with right hemicolectomy
was performed followed by adjuvant chemo-irradiation. She is doing well after 6 months of follow up
period.
Keyword :
Appendix, Adenocarcinoma, Histopathology, Tuberculosis.