| Adenocarcinoma and Carcinoid Neoplasms of Appendix
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Etiology
• Unknown
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Pathogenesis
• Presumably derive from basal cell which in the case of adenocarcinoids can undergo neurosecretory and mucinous differentiation,
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Epidemiology
• Carcinoid tumor is most common neoplasm of appendix (1/300 incidental appendectomies)
• Adenocarcinoids which secrete both mucin and contain neurosecretory granules may behave as low grade malignancies
• Mucinous cystadencarcinomas of appendix also occur.
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General Gross Description
• Carcinoid tumors are yellow tan solid masses, usually well circumscribed.
• Mucinous cystadenocarcinomas may exhibit lumenal mucous as well as a gelatinous, white, glassy appearance on section.
• Other adenocarcinomas may be hard and gray white.
•Examples:
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General Microscopic Description
• Adenocarcinoids may be exclusively tubular or may be admixed with typical carcinoid patterns.
• Mucinous neoplasms that are malignant should show invasion into the wall and/or neoplastic cells in peritoneal deposits of mucin
• Other adenocarcinomas may resemble typical intestinal adenocarcinomas or rarely signet ring carcinomas.
•Examples:
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References
• Rosai J: Ackerman's Surgical Pathology. 8th
ed. St. Louis, Mosby-YearBook, 1996, pp. 720-4.
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| Adenocarcinoma and Carcinoid Neoplasms of Appendix
| | Synopsis by: Melinda Sanders M.D. (T66000M82403)[606]
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