Temporal trends in incidence, evaluation and management of neuroendocrine neoplasms of the appendix: 14 years’ experience

Background Information regarding temporal trends in appendiceal neuroendocrine neoplasms (ANEN) is limited. This retrospective study evaluated temporal trends in ANEN incidence and management over a 14-year period. Methods Appendectomy pathology reports from a single tertiary center were reviewed. Results During 2005–2018, 8327 appendectomies were performed and 57 ANENs were diagnosed (average age 31.7 ± 17 years; 70.2% women; 17.5% Arab ethnicity; and 22.8% < 18 years of age). The cohort was divided according to year of diagnosis (Period A 2005–2011; Period B 2012–2018). No differences were found in ANEN incidence (0.75% and 0.62%, respectively, p = 0.104), epidemiologic or pathologic characteristics between periods. In period B, pathology reports were more comprehensive and use of specific imaging and biochemical studies was more prevalent. Hemicolectomy rates and results were similar (8 in Period A, 7 in Period B, p = 0.925). All patients remained alive for the duration of follow-up. Conclusions No temporal changes in epidemiological, clinical or pathological features of ANENs were noted. Although clinico-pathological evaluation was more detailed after 2011, there was no change in rates of hemicolectomy or disease prognosis.