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More than just appendicitis: incidental detection of a serrated polyp with malignant potential

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency, sometimes revealing incidental neoplastic lesions such as serrated polyps, which have malignant potential through the serrated pathway of colorectal carcinogenesis. A 41-year-old healthy female presented with one-day abdominal pain, initially periumbilical then localized to the right lower quadrant, with nausea and vomiting. Imaging confirmed acute appendicitis, and laparoscopic appendectomy was performed. Histopathology showed acute inflammation and an incidental serrated polyp confined to the mucosa, without dysplasia or malignancy. The patient recovered uneventfully and was referred for colonoscopy to assess for synchronous colorectal lesions. Routine histopathological evaluation of appendectomy specimens is essential, especially in patients over 40. Incidental serrated polyps, though rare, require further investigation due to their association with colorectal neoplasia. Early detection enables appropriate surveillance and may contribute to colorectal cancer prevention.

Source: Journal of Surgical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjaf1067

Authors: Kamran Ahmad Malik, Nour Abu Asfour, Lutfi Ramadan Jarboa, Ahmad Zarour

Institutions: Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation

Language: English

Topic: Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,000