Metastasis to appendix from lung adenocarcinoma.

Abstract

We previously read with interest the case report by Filik et al. (International Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer, 2003;34:55-58) on appendicular metastases from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We would like to share our recent experience.A 64-yr-old man presented with a 2-d history of progressively increasing colicky abdominal pain and fever. His past medical history included a pneumonectomy of the left lung for locally advanced lung adenocarcinoma 9 mo previously. TNM stage of the original lung cancer was T2N2M0. On examination, his abdomen was slightly distended and he had an intermittent metallic bowel sound. Abdominal CT scan showed a low-density mass, 3 cm in diameter, in the right pelvic cavity. Endoscopic evaluation revealed no obstruction, but failed to identify mucosal abnormalities in the ileocecal region. Chest CT scan prior to surgery did not show any evidence of pulmonary recurrence or metastasis. He underwent a laparotomy, and tumor of the appendix, 3 x 3 cm in diameter, adhered to the surrounding tissue, but no perforation was seen. The mass was excised in combination with an ileocecal resection, followed by ileocolic anastomosis. Hisotologically, the neoplastic tumor cells infiltrated the submucosa, muscularis, and serosa, but mucosa of the appendix was intact, unremarkable, with no precursor lesion. The tumor was morphologically similar to the lung primary tumor. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. He was examined at regular periodic follow-ups, but died from lung cancer 12 mo after the resection of the metastatic tumor to the appendix.