Appendix

What is the typical reason for the removal of the appendix?

Usually due to acute appendicitis or incidental during surgery.

What are the possible colors observed in the appendix during examination?

Tan/pink or gray/green.

What does 'edematous' refer to in the context of the appendix examination?

Accumulation of a clear colorless fluid inside the tissue.

Define 'fibrinous exudate'.

Inflammatory fluid that the body releases in response to an injury or inflammation; thick and sticky.

What is 'hyperemia' and its clinical significance?

Increased blood flow in an area, resulting in redness, warmth, and swelling.

What does 'purulence' indicate in the condition of the appendix?

Presence of pus in the appendix.

What is considered a 'perforation' in appendiceal examination?

A hole or piercing passing through the wall of the appendix.

What is the mesoappendix?

A fold of peritoneum that suspends the appendix from the ileum and cecum.

What dimensions of the mesoappendix should be recorded?

Dimensions, color, and appearance including edema, fibrinous exudate, and purulence.

What does the term 'dilated' refer to when describing the appendix's lumen?

Expanded or widened beyond normal.

What does 'fibrosed' indicate in the context of the appendix?

Replaced or thickened by fibrous scar tissue.

How should the condition of the mucosa be described during examination?

The mucosa can be glistening (normal), ulcerated (eroded or missing surface), or hyperemic (reddened due to increased blood flow).

List some possible contents of the appendix lumen during examination.

Fecalith, foreign body, purulence or blood, parasites, mucin, fibrous obliteration.

What should be submitted for histological examination from the appendix?

One longitudinal section of the tip and two transverse sections, including abnormalities.

What is a common gross appearance of appendicitis?

Purulent exudate on the serosal surface, often with gross perforation.

Why might neuroendocrine tumors in the appendix be incidental findings?

Carcinoids are often found incidentally in one out of six specimens.

How is endometriosis characterized in the appendix?

Hypertrophy of the muscular propria with areas of focal hemorrhage.

What defines a mucocele of the appendix?

Diffuse globular enlargement of the appendix filled with mucus.

What is a rare gross finding that may appear similar to appendicitis?

Adenocarcinoma; it may present with perforation and mimic acute appendicitis.

What is the origin of cecal diverticulum?

Thought to be congenital in origin and may clinically present as appendicitis.

What details should be included in the sample dictation for an appendix specimen?

Size, condition, presence of perforations, serosal surface description, and contents like fecalith.