Epithelial neoplasms of the vermiform appendix (exclusive of carcinoid). I. Adenocarcinoma of the appendix.

A study of primary epithelial neoplasms of the appendix (with the exception of classical carcinoids), produced 24 adenocarcinomas and 42 benign lesions from the files of the Laboratory of Surgical Pathology of Columbia University. Invasive adenoarcinomas were often complicated by appendicitis and were then unexpectedly discovered during appendectomy. In one third of the cases the carcinomas were found in juxtaposition to adenomatous lesions of the appendix. Well-differentiated adenocarcinomas of the colonic type generally had a better prognosis than signet-ring cell (or microglandular) tumors. The most reliable criterion for correlating prognosis was the Duke's method of staging. Since invasive adenocarcinomas of the appendix can metastasize to regional lymph nodes, treatment should ideally consist of ileocolectomy.