Small cell carcinoma of the appendix

Abstract

Background: An extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma is a rare condition. It has similar histological features to pulmonary small cell carcinoma and is equally aggressive. Case presentation: We present the case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with right upper quadrant pain. Computerised tomography revealed an appendiceal lesion and multiple liver metastases. Exploratory laparotomy and right hemicolectomy was performed with histopathological analysis confirming a primary small cell carcinoma of her appendix. Conclusion: This is the first reported case of a pure extrapulmonary carcinoma arising from the appendix. © 2008 O'Kane et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.