Primary Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix: Report of a Case

Abstract

Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a rare gastrointestinal malignancy. Clinically, it presents as appendicitis without symptoms or signs suggesting a neoplasm before operation, and it is discovered only by a pathological examination after surgery. To date, therefore, the formal treatment for adenocarcinoma of the appendix has almost been deemed to be a two-stage operation. We hereby report a case of suspected appendicitis where an appendectomy was carried out in the usual manner. The pathological examination of the specimen showed adenocarcinoma with infiltration into the appendiceal wall. A right hemicolectomy was conducted in the second operation. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was found to be in good condition in the succeeding follow-up. Although we were unable to avoid the two-stage operation for our patient, several measures are proposed to make the correct diagnosis in time, which during the primary operation will enable the surgeon to carry out the proper treatment for the really serious disease.