The appendiceal carcinoid tumor is usually innocuous (Kulke & Mayer, 1999). A small tumor, it is often found by accident when the appendix is removed for some other reason. It can, however, contribute to acute appendicitis in rare cases, such as what took place in this case. It is diagnoses in females more frequently than males, but it is believed to be equally prevalent in both sexes (Kulke & Mayer, 1999).

These types of tumors typically invade the lymph system, muscular layers, and the peritoneal area, but they rarely metastasize (Sandor & Modlin, 1998). They can become malignant, but that is even more rare than metastasis. Generally, an appendectomy is the way to treat this tumor and since this is what took place in this case, there is no further cause for concern (Hemminki & Li, 2001). If the tumor becomes very large, however, a right hemicolectomy may be required...
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