Xanthogranulomatous appendicitis with elevated tumor marker misdiagnosed as cecal cancer: a case report

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is an uncommon chronic inflammatory disease that develops most often in the kidneys and gallbladder. However, xanthogranulomatous appendicitis 45eXA is rare. Herein, we present a case of XA, with an elevated tumor marker, misdiagnosed as cecal cancer. A 76-year-old woman was referred to our hospital. Carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA 19–9) levels were elevated. By computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, we diagnosed as suspected cecal cancer and performed laparoscopic-assisted ileocecal resection. The pathological diagnosis was XA. Her CA19–9 level decreased to within normal limits. XA is a condition that results from an unusual healing pattern of appendicitis. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This is the first case of XA with elevated CA 19–9 levels. In this case, XA may have had the potential for malignancy. Our case report can aid in the understanding of these rare cases and, as a result, improve their prognosis.