Appendiceal Carcinoma Metastatic to the Ovaries and Mimicking Primary Ovarian Tumors

Abstract

Primary appendiceal carcinomas are a rare source of metastases to the ovaries. Three cases are reported here, and 25 others are reviewed from the English literature. The recognition of this entity is important, since the metastases may mimic an ovarian primary tumor clinically, and because of the propensity for a recognized appendiceal carcinoma to relapse in the ovaries. Therapeutic implications dictate that the appendix should always be carefully examined during exploration for ovarian masses, and prophylactic appendectomy should be considered, as part of the treatment of ovarian carcinomas.