[Primary cancer of the vermiform appendix--case report and literature review]

The case history of an eighty one year old white male with progressive cachexia and massive ascites is given. Autopsy revealed the rare finding of a primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix with multiple metastases as the cause of the rapidly deteriorating clinical condition. The incidence, clinical findings and therapeutic options in carcinoma of the appendix are discusses based on a review of the literature.