Appendiceal adenocarcinoma is a very rare condition with approximately 1,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States. The average age at the time of diagnosis is 50 and the most common presentation is acute appendicitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to obtaining the best outcomes in patients with appendiceal adenocarcinoma. We present the rare case of a 36 year old woman who developed an early recurrent attack of appendicitis secondary to an unsuspected appendiceal carcinoma requiring urgent operative intervention. We illustrate our technique for performing a laparoscopic partial cecectomy for phlegmonous appendicitis and provide tips for a safe dissection.