Appendix Cancer

The appendix is a tube which is located near the large intestine and its purpose although unknown is believed to have something to do with immunity. When the healthy cells abnormally multiply, they become a tumor inside the appendix and are cancerous if they turn malignant.  

Types of appendix cancers

• Colonic adenocarcinoma: similar to colon cancer and the most common type od appendix cancer.
• Mucinous adenocarcinoma: also called MAA and can be of two types, low and high grade.
• Goblet cell adenocarcinoma: a very rare cancer, it involves the presence of cells similar to the goblet cells present in the digestive tract.
• Neuroendocrine carcinoma: Another common type of appendix cancer, it is caused due to tumour formed by cells from the wall of the bowel
• Signet ring cell adenocarcinoma: It is the most aggressive type of appendix cancer which has high chances of spreading to other organs.

Symptoms

• Appendicitis
• Bloating
• Chronic abdomen pain
• Hernia
• Discomfort in the lower left abdomen

Treatment

The most common treatment option is appendectomy, a surgery where the appendix is removed. In more advanced cases where the tumors are larger, there may be a need to operate on the colon as well and could include a need for chemotherapy.