Appendiceal adenocarcinoma is associated with better prognosis than cecal adenocarcinoma: a population-based comparative survival study

Sufficient Regional Lymph Node Examination for Staging Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix

BACKGROUND

The presence of lymph node (LN) metastasis is a known negative prognostic factor in appendix cancer (AC) patients. However, currently the minimum number of LNs required to adequately determine LN negativity is extrapolated from colorectal studies and data specific to AC is lacking. We aimed to define the lowest number of LNs required to adequately stage AC and assess its impact on oncologic outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with stage II-III AC from the National Cancer Database (NCDB 2004-2019) undergoing surgical resection with complete information about LN examination were included. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the odds of LN positive (LNP) disease for different numbers of LNs examined. Multivariable Cox regressions were performed by LN status subgroups, adjusted by prognostic factors, including grade, histologic subtype, surgical approach, and documented adjuvant systemic chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Overall, 3,602 patients were included, from which 1,026 (28.5%) were LNP. Harvesting ten LNs was the minimum number required without decreased odds of LNP compared with the reference category (≥ 20 LNs). Total LNs examined were < 10 in 466 (12.9%) patients. Median follow-up from diagnosis was 75.4 months. Failing to evaluate at least ten LNs was an independent negative prognostic factor for overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio 1.39, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In appendix adenocarcinoma, examining a minimum of ten LNs was necessary to minimize the risk of missing LNP disease and was associated with improved overall survival rates. To mitigate the risk of misclassification, an adequate number of regional LNs must be assessed to determine LN status.

[Socioeconomic status and cecal adenocarcinoma mortality risk: an American population-based analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and disease mortality in patients with cecal adenocarcinoma in America through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End results (SEER) database.

METHODS

The SEER database was queried for patients with cecal adenocarcinoma in America diagnosed from 2011 to 2015. Factor analysis, cluster analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used for data analysis. Five social security factors were identified: factor 1, economic and educational disadvantage; factor 2, characteristics related to immigration (language isolation and foreign birth); factor 3, high relocation rate in the county; factor 4, high intra-state relocation rate; and factor 5, high domestic relocation rate. Five clusters defined by SES were identified.

RESULTS

The number of all-cause deaths among 17 185 patients was 5948, and the number of survivors was 11, 237. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, with cluster 1 (low poverty rate and high education level) as the reference, the hazard ratio (HR) of cluster 3 (high intra-county mobility rate) was 1.13 (95% CI: 1.04-1.21, P < 0.05), and the risk was 13% higher than that of cluster 1. The HR of cluster 4 (low language isolation, foreign birth, housing overcrowding, and intra-country mobility rates) was 1.15 (95% CI: 1.07- 1.24, P < 0.001) with a 15% higher risk than cluster 1. The HR of cluster 5 (economic and educational disadvantages, immigration-related characteristics, and low intra-country mobility) was 1.11 (95% CI: 1.03-1.20, P < 0.01) with a 11% higher risk. The factors related to SES indicators were based on the mortality of patients with cecal adenocarcinoma, indicating that low economic and education levels are risk factors for cecal adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Low socioeconomic status is associated with an increased risk of death in patients with cecal adenocarcinoma in the United States and show different distribution patterns based on population. Improving health insurance policies and strengthening psychotherapy can provide guidance for improving prognosis f cecal adenocarcinoma patients.

Appendiceal Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: An Atypical Cause of Acute Appendicitis-A Case Study and Review of Current Knowledge

Appendiceal signet ring cell carcinoma (ASRCC) is a rare and aggressive form of appendiceal cancer, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms that overlap with acute appendicitis. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving patient outcomes in these rare malignancies. This case report and literature review aims to raise awareness among clinicians about ASRCC of the appendix as a cause of acute appendicitis and highlight the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients with atypical presentations or unexpected histopathological findings. We present a 65-year-old female patient with ASRCC who underwent successful surgical treatment and remains disease-free at the one-year follow-up. It also highlights the necessity of early detection and appropriate treatment in order to improve patient outcomes. In addition, a comprehensive literature review is provided, discussing the clinical presentation, histopathological characteristics, potential pathogenesis, treatment options, and prognosis of ASRCC.