CANCER OF THE APPENDIX IN LONG-STANDING ULCERATIVE-COLITIS - A CASE-REPORT

Cancer of the appendix was found in a 69-year-old female patient affec ted by long-standing ulcerative colitis (UC). On histological examinat ion the cancer was a typical cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix. The a ppendiceal mucosa not invaded by the neoplastic process was normal. Hi stological examination of the colorectal mucosa did not show dysplasia or cancer. These findings suggest that appendiceal cancer and UC may be unrelated diseases. A surveillance program for early detection of c ancer of the appendix in patients with long standing UC does not seem mandatory.