PRIMARY ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE APPENDIX: A RARE ENTITY

Sunita Singh, Vasundhara Sharma, Roomi Yadav*, Manpreet Tanwar, Vikas, Rajeev Sen

ABSTRACT

Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a rare entity. It is often diagnosed first on histopathology in specimen submitted for suspected appendicitis. Neoplasms of the appendix are found in around 1% of appendicectomy specimen, the frequency of primary appendiceal carcinoma being as low as 0.05-0.2% of the specimen investigated. We report the case of a 60 year old male who presented with acute pain in lower abdomen. Ultrasonography demonstrated appendiceal inflammation and the patient underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy. Histopathological examination revealed adenocarcinoma of the appendix. A retrospective analysis was performed to look for a primary site other than appendix. Thorough examination did not reveal any other site in body harbouring a malignancy and it was confirmed as a primary adenocarcinoma of the vermiform appendix. Thus, histopathology is of utmost importance in all appendicectomy specimen to rule out malignant pathology.

Keywords: Primary adenocarcinoma, appendix.