Management of Pediatric Appendiceal Carcinoid Tumor: A Single-center Experience

OBJECTIVE Appendiceal carcinoid tumor (ACT) is a rare tumor in children. Standard management guidelines in children have not been established due to the rarity of carcinoid tumors in children. The aim of the study was to present our experience in the management of ACT in children. METHODS Medical records of all pediatric patients treated at our institution for ACT between June 2015 and June 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, histopathological examination, and follow-up records were reviewed for each patient. RESULTS Eight (0.94%) out of 843 children who underwent appendectomy during the study period were detected with histological evidence of ACT and were included in the study. Median tumor size was 0.35 (range, 0.1-1) cm. The tumor had invaded the muscularis propria in 4 (50%), the submucosa in 2 (25%), the subserosa in 1 (12.5%), and the mesoappendix in 1 (12.5%) patient. All the patients had tumor-free mar gins and none of them had lymphadenopathy at diagnosis. Mitotic index and Ki67 levels were >2 in two patients. Only appendectomy was performed in all patients. No recurrence was observed in any patient throughout the follow-up period. Patients were followed up for a mean±SD; 41.2±11.1 months. CONCLUSION ACT is a rare tumor in children usually presenting as an incidental finding during the histopathological examination of appendectomy specimen. Follow-up of histopathological results after appendectomy is of paramount importance. Appendectomy is curative, particularly in tumors smaller than 2 cm in diameter, and the clinical outcome is excellent after appendectomy.

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