Epithelial neoplasms of the appendix.
BACKGROUND
The appendix gives rise to an array of epithelial neoplasms showing glandular or neuroendocrine differentiation, and some tumors with elements of both cell types. Although some appendiceal neoplasms resemble their counterparts in the small and large intestines (conventional adenocarcinoma and carcinoid tumor), the appendix also gives rise to relatively unique entities including mucinous neoplasms and goblet cell carcinoid tumors, which present a challenge in pathologic classification and clinical management.


OBJECTIVE
To review clinical and diagnostic issues for 3 pathologic types of epithelial neoplasms of the appendix: (1) adenocarcinoma, with specific focus on mucinous neoplasm; (2) goblet cell carcinoid tumor and associated adenocarcinoma; and (3) typical carcinoid tumor.


METHODS
Case-derived material and literature review.


CONCLUSIONS
The most important issue in pathologic assessment of epithelial tumors of the appendix is to understand the clinical implications inherent in the diagnosis.
Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA. tangl@mskcc.org
Laura H
LH
Tang
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology*; D001063:Appendiceal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D001065:Appendix / Q000473:pathology*; D002276:Carcinoid Tumor / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans