Appendiceal (Appendix) Cancer Treated at Karmanos

Appendiceal (appendix) cancer is a rare type of cancer that grows from cells that make up the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch of tissue in the abdomen. It is part of the intestines and colon, which absorb nutrients and remove waste from the body. We do not know what the appendix does, but it may help the immune system. There are two main types of appendiceal cancer: epithelial appendiceal cancer and neuroendocrine appendiceal cancer.

Many people with appendiceal cancer do not have symptoms when the cancer first starts. Later, when the tumor gets larger, symptoms can include:

• Pain
• Feeling bloated or growing abdominal size
• A mass in the abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling full soon after starting to eat

Many people with appendiceal cancer are diagnosed after the appendix is removed when it is believed they have appendicitis. For people without symptoms, these tumors can also be discovered if the person has an imaging test for another reason.

Treatment for each patient will be unique, but may include surgery or chemotherapy.

Information includes about appendix cancer, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.