ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE APPENDIX

  • 1 May 1988
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 166  (5) , 451-453
Abstract
Sixteen instances of adenocarcinoma of the appendix were reviewed. Of the 15 tumors analyzed, 13 were mucinous and ten were well differentiated. Synchronous metastases were present in 11 patients with carcinomatosis being the most common pattern of metastases (nine patients). Nine of the 11 patients with metastatic disease presented with complaints referrable to the metastatic site. The five year survival rate in the series was 36 percent with a median survival time of 30 months. Right hemicolectomy achieved a five year survival rate of 50 percent; in contrast, appendectomy achieved only a 25 percent five year survival rate. In conclusion, it is thought that right hemicolectomy is the treatment for adenocarcinoma of the appendix. Palliative oophorectomy is indicated for patients with ovarian metastases because of the symptomatic nature of the metastases.