Appendix Cancer

What Is Appendix Cancer?

The appendix is a small tube attached to the cecum in the lower right abdomen that contains lymphoid tissue and may serve as a reservoir for beneficial bacteria. Appendix cancer is a rare disease that begins in the cells of the appendix, most often as neuroendocrine tumors, mucinous neoplasms, adenocarcinomas, or goblet cell tumors. While cancers from other organs may occasionally spread to the appendix, it is more common for appendix cancers to spread to nearby tissues, the peritoneum, or lymph nodes.

What Causes Appendix Cancer?

Appendiceal cancer develops as a result of changes to the genetic material within appendiceal cells. These changes result in the pattern of cell growth and division characteristic of appendiceal cancer. Although the increased likelihood of developing appendiceal cancer is associated with the following factors, in most cases, physicians and scientists are still trying to determine what causes appendiceal cancer to develop:

• Aging
• Family history of certain cancers
• Personal history of certain cancers
• Exposure to certain chemical substances
• Genetic mutations
• Smoking

How Is Appendix Cancer Detected?

To provide the most accurate diagnosis, our specialists review each patient’s medical, surgical, social, and family history, perform laboratory testing, and evaluate imaging studies.

If appendix cancer is suspected, imaging is often the first step. Common tests include:

• CT scan (Computed Tomography): Uses X-rays to create detailed three-dimensional images of the body.
• PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to identify cancer cells based on how they absorb the tracer.
• PET-CT scan: Combines CT and PET imaging for greater accuracy.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses magnetic fields to create high-resolution images of internal structures.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to generate images of organs and tissues.

If upon review of your results your doctor notices a mass suspicious for appendix cancer, he or she will likely order a biopsy in order to make a diagnosis and plan treatment, if necessary.

Signs and Symptoms of Appendix Cancer

The following may be indicative of appendiceal cancer but may also be indicative of other illnesses:

• Abdominal bloating, discomfort, and pain
• Abnormal, unexplainable weight loss
• Appendiceal inflammation
• Change in bowel movements
• Fever
• Increased waistline
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• The sensation of a mass
• The sensation of fullness or pressure in the abdomen and/or pelvis

It is important you tell your doctor if you have any of these signs and symptoms, so he or she may determine their cause and plan treatment, if necessary.

Stages of Appendix Cancer

“Staging” occurs when a physician uses to test and scan results to determine which parts of the body are involved by cancer, in this case, appendix cancer. Staging is important because different stages of appendix cancer are better addressed with treatments that may differ in amount, combination, or type. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), the stages for appendiceal carcinomas (a type of appendiceal cancer) are as follows:

Stage 0

In this stage, cancer only includes the inside surface layer of the appendix.

Stage I

This stage describes appendiceal cancer that has grown deeper into the appendix tissue than the surface layer but remains isolated to the appendix.

Stage II

Cancer has either grown larger than in Stage I appendiceal cancer to involve organs and/or tissues surrounding the appendix but does not involve lymph nodes near the appendix.

Stage III

Cancer has grown beyond the surface layers of the appendix and has spread to lymph nodes in the same region of the body as the appendix.

Stage IV

In this stage, cancer has spread to parts of the body distant from where it began, such as lymphatic structures in other areas of the abdomen or beyond the abdomen to different organs systems.

How Is Appendix Cancer Treated?

Treatment for appendix cancer depends on the type of tumor and the stage at diagnosis. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, and in certain cases, radiation therapy. These treatments can be used individually or in combination, based on your physician’s recommendations and your overall health.

It is important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor to determine the approach that best fits your needs. Factors that may be considered when developing your treatment plan include:

• Your age, health, and lifestyle.
• The stage of your cancer.
• Any other serious health conditions you have.
• Your feelings about the need to treat cancer right away.
• Your doctor’s opinion about if you need to treat cancer right away.
• The likelihood that treatment will help fight or cure your cancer.
• Possible side effects of each treatment method.

You may feel the need to make a quick decision, but it is very important to ask questions if there is anything about which you’re not entirely sure. It is very important for you and your doctor to communicate and work together to weigh the benefits of each treatment option against the possible adverse effects in order to ultimately determine which treatment option is best for you.

Our Approach

We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and scary. Here at The New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we build our teams around you. Our expert oncologists will help guide you through this difficult time, answering any questions you may have along the way. We are here for you and will do everything in our power to meet your specific needs and exceed your expectations. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that may be related to cancer, please call us as soon as possible at (855) 528-7322 or make an appointment online.