GCC Tumor Requires More Attention

The Appendicitis Foundation yesterday praised a recent study on GCC or goblet cell carcinoid, a life-threatening tumor that usually affects elderly patients with appendicitis.

“We consider this study significant because it concerns a tumor that can put human life at risk but has received precious little attention and examination despite its wide range of presentation,” said Peter Cambridge, spokesman of the Appendicitis Foundation (www.AppendicitisFoundation.org).

The study, entitled "Goblet cell carcinoid of the appendix" and authored by Yam S. Pahlavan and Rani Kanthan, was based on a review of 57 published papers encompassing nearly 600 diagnosed patients. It spanned the diagnosis, clinical manifestations and management of GCC.

“The study found that over a five-year period, the survival rate ranges from 60 % to 84% and we consider this very encouraging,” said Cambridge.

The study found that common GCC indicators include acute appendicitis (22.5%), non-localized abdominal pain (5.15%) and an appendicular mass (3.09%).

Meanwhile, the study revealed that the most common surgical treatments are appendectomy with right hemicolectomy (34.70%) and simple appendectomy (24.57%). The study also advocated a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for female patients with GCC. And in cases where the disease has started to spread, the study advised treatment with chemotherapy.

The study said GCCs have “unpredictable biological behavior and thus warrant lifelong surveillance.”