Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Appendiceal carcinoma is a rare malignancy.
• Pre-operative diagnosis is infrequent due to its rarity.
• Clinical presentation can mimic acute appendicitis or appendiceal mass.

Observation:

• Two cases of appendiceal carcinoma presenting as appendicular masses are reported.
• The condition can occur in elderly patients, appendix stumps post-appendicectomy, and even in young individuals (e.g., 17-year-old).

Findings:

• Awareness of appendiceal carcinoma is essential for clinical suspicion, particularly in older patients with appendicitis or masses.
• Histological examination of all appendectomy specimens is critical for diagnosis.
• Right hemicolectomy is the recommended surgical intervention, offering better survival rates than appendicectomy alone.

Implications:

• Increased awareness may lead to earlier diagnosis of appendiceal carcinoma.
• Routine histological analysis of appendectomy specimens is vital for identifying incidental cases.
• Surgical management with right hemicolectomy improves patient survival outcomes for appendiceal carcinoma.