Some aspects of adenocarcinoma of the appendix

Abstract

Summary: Five new cases of adenocarcinoma of the appendix are reported. Adenocarcinoma of the appendix must be carefully differentiated from carcinoma of the cæcum and histologically from a carcinoid tumour. In a proportion, some cases present as acute appendicitis; in these only microscopy will reveal the presence of carcinoma. Right hemicolectomy, it is suggested, is the correct treatment, even if this has to be done as a second operation after routine histological examination of the appendix associated with acute appendicitis seems to be relatively poor owing to the diffculties in early diagnosis and the ease with which the tumour can reach the peritoneum. On the other hand, when no overlying acute inflammatory lesion is present, the prognosis is much better.