Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix: Report of five cases and review of the literature

Abstract
Five patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix are reported. All patients presented with symptoms resembling those of acute appendicitis or periappendicular abscess. In none of them was malignancy suspected prior to operation. It is advisable that every patient above 50 years of age presenting with symptoms of appendicitis undergo laparotomy, thus enabling a better exploration of the cecal region. If an appendiceal mass is present and frozen section shows malignancy, a right hemicolectomy should be performed. The prognosis of adenocarcinoma of the appendix is dismal as most patients present with an advanced stage of the disease.