Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix presenting with an elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA): Report of two cases and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the fact the mucocoele of the appendix is a rare entity it has been the subject of much interest in the literature. The term mucocoele refers to cystic dilatation of the appendix filled with mucin resulting from proximal obstruction of the appendix lumen. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report two patients presenting with mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix with elevation of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which has rarely been reported. Both patients had mild symptoms and a normal colonoscopy preoperatively. The diagnosis was not suspected in one patient prior to surgery. The elevated CEA prompted additional diagnostic radiologic investigations including ultrasonography, and computed tomography scans. The patients had uneventful appendicectomies with subsequent normalization of their CEA levels. DISCUSSION: Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix is a rare pathological entity characterized by a dilated mucous filled appendix. The presence of an elevated CEA associated with the presence of this entity is a rare presentation.
CONCLUSION: Because the diagnosis is rarely suspected prior to surgery patients with an enlarged appendix with associated elevated CEA levels should have careful investigations to exclude malignancy.