Adenocarcinoma of the appendix

Rationale: Adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a rare disease which is often diagnosed after surgery by a pathologist. Patient concerns: This case is that of a 50 year old man who presented with an acute abdomen. Diagnosis: A diagnosis of acute appendicitis was made. Interventions: He had an appendectomy and a subsequent right hemicolectomy performed. In the laboratory, the diagnosis of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the appendix and chronic granulomatous inflammation of lesions within the abdomen was made after surgery. Outcome: The patient did well after surgery and was followed up for three years in the outpatient clinic. Lessons: Although, a simple appendectomy may be sufficient for incidental adenocarcinoma of the appendix but for optimal outcome right hemicolectomy is advised for a suspicious mass or lesions. Furthermore, adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a very rare disease in our environment, surgeons are encouraged to submit appendectomy specimens for histopathological diagnosis.