Key points about appendiceal cancer
- Rare cancer that starts in the appendix, often discovered incidentally
- Can be caused by various tumor types, including carcinoid and mucinous tumors
- May lead to complications like pseudomyxoma peritonei
- Early symptoms can be vague or resemble appendicitis
- Treatment typically involves surgery, and sometimes chemotherapy
Appendiceal cancer causes
Appendiceal cancer forms when abnormal cells grow in the appendix. The cause is often unknown, but some patterns are known.
- It can result from different tumor types: carcinoid, mucinous or adenocarcinoma
- Tumors may produce mucin, leading to abdominal spread
- Genetic mutations may play a role in some cases
- In rare instances, associated with inherited syndromes
Appendiceal cancer risk factors
Several conditions may raise the chances of developing appendiceal cancer, although it's rare overall.
- Older age, especially over 50
- Family history of colorectal or gastrointestinal cancers
- Lynch syndrome or other hereditary cancer syndromes
- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Appendiceal cancer symptoms
Symptoms are often subtle and may only appear when the tumor grows or spreads.
- Lower right abdominal pain
- Bloating or feeling of fullness
- Digestive changes, like constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss without trying
Appendiceal Cancer diagnosis
Because it’s so rare, appendiceal cancer is often diagnosed unexpectedly during other procedures.
- CT scan or ultrasound to visualize tumors or fluid buildup
- Blood work for cancer markers like CEA or CA-125
- Appendectomy (removal of appendix) during suspected appendicitis
- Pathology tests to identify the specific type of tumor
Appendiceal cancer treatment
Treatment varies based on tumor type and how far the cancer has spread.
- Appendectomy for localized tumors
- Right hemicolectomy if cancer involves the colon
- Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC for mucin-producing tumors or pseudomyxoma peritonei
- Chemotherapy for advanced or aggressive cancers
- Ongoing monitoring with scans and blood tests
When to seek care
Talk to a healthcare provider if you have ongoing or unexplained abdominal symptoms, especially if you have known risk factors.
- Persistent or sharp abdominal pain (especially in the lower right side)
- Swelling, bloating or a sense of pressure in the abdomen
- Sudden changes in bowel habits
- If you've had appendicitis with unusual findings, further evaluation may be needed