Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the appendix arising after treatment of gastric cancer: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare soft tissue neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential and unclear etiology. IMT involving the appendix is very rare. Herein, we report a case of IMT of the appendix in a gastric cancer patient who was treated with radical gastrectomy and adjuvant systemic chemotherapy. Rare cases of IMT associated with preceding events have been described in other organs/sites, but not in the appendix. A previous intra-abdominal operation for gastric cancer may contribute to the development of IMT in the appendix as seen in the present patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case of appendiceal IMT arising after a previous operation.