Primary appendiceal malignancy mimicking advanced stage ovarian carcinoma:A case series

Background. Primary appendiceal malignancy metastatic to the ovaries is a r are condition that may mimic late stage ovarian cancer. This condition is r arely diagnosed preoperatively. Cases. Three patients referred to our institution from 1994 to 1999 for pre sumed late stage ovarian cancer were found to have primary appendiceal aden ocarcinoma, adenocarcinoid, and mucinous cystadenocarcinoma metastatic to t he ovaries at laparotomy. We describe the clinical course of these patients and review the relevant literature. Conclusion. It is important for the gynecologic oncologist to be aware of t he clinicopathological features and surgical management of these malignanci es, as the incidence, prognosis, and recommended treatment vary with histol ogical subtype.