Pathology report after an appendectomy showed a neuroendocrine tumor. Should I follow-up immediately?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 50-year-old female. I had an emergency appendectomy, and my pathology report came back. Is there no need to follow-up with my doctor as soon as possible since the tumor is small? I do have an appointment scheduled in four weeks, but I am wondering if I should ask them move up - pasting the results below. Thanks. Diagnosis: Minute (0.2 mm) focus of epithelioid cell nests at the appendiceal tip, favor neuroendocrine tumor. No high-risk features present. Negative for the involvement of mesoappendix, negative margin of excision, no mitotic figures present. A single minute focus of 71 cells in rosette-like formations collectively measure 0.2 mm in greatest dimension. These cells are cytologically bland, show no mitotic figures, and are limited to the appendix. Immunohistochemistry testing for synaptophysin chromogranin are performed on block1A. However, the focus of epithelial cells is absent on subsequent levels. Thus these markers are non-contributory.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You do not need to be apprehensive about this. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the appendix (formerly 'carcinoids') are rare and are usually detected incidentally (as in your case) in 1% of appendectomy specimens. They are preferentially located at the tip of the appendix. Tumors less than 1 cm hardly ever metastasize and are treated by appendectomy only. The overall prognosis of small appendiceal NET is excellent in all ages. For tumors as smaller as yours, a simple appendectomy is sufficient. So, just follow the scheduled follow-ups. All the best and take care.