Se. Parkes et al., CARCINOID-TUMORS OF THE APPENDIX IN CHILDREN 1957-1986 - INCIDENCE, TREATMENT AND OUTCOME, British Journal of Surgery, 80(4), 1993, pp. 502-504
Forty carcinoid tumours of the appendix were identified in children un
der 15 years of age between 1957 and 1986 from the records of the West
Midlands Regional Children's Tumour Research Group. A significant exc
ess of girls was observed (P = 0.02). All tumours were discovered inci
dentally and two patients underwent further surgery. Twenty- two of th
e 29 confirmed locations ( 76 per cent) were at the tip of the appendi
x and 34 of the 40 tumours (85 per cent) had invaded beyond the append
iceal submucosa. The reported incidence rate of 1.14 per million child
ren per year remained constant throughout the study period. No recurre
nces, metastases or deaths from tumour were detected. Appendicectomy a
lone is confirmed as usually curative, although right hemicolectomy is
occasionally necessary. Caution during routine appendicectomy, is rec
ommended to avoid possible tumour damage, as is consistent histologica
l examination of all appendices in the paediatric age group. The impor
tance of long-term follow-up is emphasized.