LAUSR

BACKGROUND The discovery of a low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) during appendectomy is a rare scenario. These neoplasms can progress to pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), however the incidence of progression is not well known. METHODS The records of all patients with a diagnosis of localized LAMN found during appendectomy were identified, and demographic, tumor, surveillance, and outcome variables were analyzed. RESULTS Progression to PMP occurred in 20% of patients in an average of 12.4 months after appendectomy with median follow-up of 18 months. Tumor variables such as margin positivity, appendiceal perforation, and presence of extra-appendiceal acellular mucin or mucinous epithelium on the serosal were not significantly associated with progression. CONCLUSIONS During an average follow-up period of 18 months after surgery, progression to PMP occurred in a fifth of patients. It is difficult to predict which patients will progress, therefore cross-sectional imaging surveillance is recommended for all patients.