[Mucosecreting tumors of the appendix. 3 cases]

The three cases reported here illustrate the diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic problems raised by these tumours. These are rare lesions with little suggestive symptoms, which explains why they are exceptionally diagnosed before surgery. Mucosal hyperplasias and cystadenomas are benign formations with a 90-100% survival rate 5 years after appendicectomy, even when non-cellular mucoid effusion is present. Cystadenocarcinomas are malignant tumours with mucoid secretion containing epithelial cells; they have a tendency to recur despite repeated evacuations, and their 5-year survival rate is approximately 25%; death results from intestinal obstruction or compression of intra-abdominal viscera by the mucoid substance.