Primary adenocarcinoma of the vermiform appendix: report of a series of ten cases, and review of the literature.

Ten cases of primary adenocarcinoma of the vermiform appendix are presented. The condition is rare and usually presents after middle age as acute appendicitis. It is seldom recognized during appendicectomy. The tumours resemble colonic adenocarcinomas but, because of peculiarities in the anatomy of the appendix, there is a tendency to early local spread. Right hemicolectomy performed as soon as the true nature of the lesion is recognized is the treatment of choice and has been shown to improve survival. Even after hemicolectomy the prognosis must be guarded, as local spread of disease may not be controlled in many cases.