Carcinoid tumours of the appendix.

Appendicular carcinoid tumours in 147 patients are presented. Two patients had evidence of metastatic spread at the time of presentation. Both patients had primary tumours less than 2 cm in diameter. Size remains the most reliable guide to the malignant potential of these tumours. If, after simple appendicectomy, a carcinoid tumour is found with a post-formalin fixation diameter greater than 1.5 cm then a subsequent right hemicolectomy should be considered.