Neuroendocrine tumors of the appendix: a comprehensive review of the literature and case presentation

Background/Objectives: Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors (aNETs), though rare and often incidentally discovered, have shown a rising incidence, particularly among younger individuals, due to improved diagnostic practices, and are generally associated with favorable prognosis, with current evidence supporting conservative, individualized management and tailored surveillance strategies based on tumor size, grade, histopathological features, and imaging findings. Study selection for review: A PubMed search was performed to explore the current understanding of aNETs, with emphasis on their etiopathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic strategies. Case presentation: A 42-year-old man underwent an uneventful laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis, during which a 5 cm appendix with a pale, nodular tip suggestive of a lesion was resected, leading to the incidental discovery of an aNET. Conclusions: aNETs, though rare, are increasingly detected incidentally and have a favorable prognosis, with individualized management and follow-up guided by tumor features and supported by multidisciplinary care.