[Carcinoid of the appendix. Consideration on 5 incidentally diagnosed cases]

5 cases of carcinoid of the appendix discovered during 1094 appendectomies are described. Neither carcinoid syndrome or local metastasis was observed in any of the patients. The importance of the histological examination of all appendices removed is emphasised. Where there is no metastasis, radical surgery is appropriate. The prognosis is excellent but patients should be monitored by the measurement of 5HIIA in the urine.