Goblet-cell carcinoid (WHO GEP/NET tumors – group IV) of the appendix

Goblet-cell carcinoid (GCC) is a rare and slow-growing tumour commonly affecting the appendix. It shares pathological and clinical features of both adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumour (NET), being significantly more malignant than onther types of neuroendocrine tumours but less than adenocarcinoma. Because of the relatively long, non-symptomatic growth of GCC it is usually diagnosed in its metastatic form. According to the 2010 WHO classification of GEP/NET tumours GCC belongs to group 4 – mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).

In the paper we present the case of a 45-year old woman. This allows us to review the diagnosis, pathology and management of GCC. The patient had been admitted to the Institute of Oncology in Warsaw with a 6-month history of a palpable tumour in the left illiac fossa. She underwent ovariectomy and simple appendectomy. The pathology report confirmed GCC of the appendix infiltrating the right colon and metastatising to the ovaries, uterus and omentum. The patient died after 46 months of treatment. Basing upon the case history we postulate the necessity for an individual approach in the diagnosis and treatment of GCC.