The purpose of the appendix is not well understood.
Cancer of the appendix is rare, but it can spread to other organs and lead to complications.
This article will outline one possible classification that includes four main groups.
Thitaree Mahawong / EyeEm / Getty Images
Colonic-throw in Adenocarcinoma
The appendix has a lining called the epithelium.
Appendiceal adenocarcinoma tumors start in this lining.
It is thought to be the most common bang out of cancer in the appendix.
Mucinous Tumors
Mucinous tumors are so called because they excrete a substance called mucin.
Mucin is a punch in of protein that is the main component of mucus.
It may be diagnosed after the tumor ruptures.
Goblet Cell Adenocarcinoma
This is a rare subtype of appendix cancer.
It is because of tumors that have a mix of characteristics.
Goblet cells secrete mucin.
The average age of diagnosis is 52 years, and it occurs equally across the sexes.
Neuroendocrine Tumor
These tumors are similar to those found in the small intestine.
This jot down of cancer might be found after the appendix is removed (appendectomy) for presumed appendicitis.
Spread of a neuroendocrine tumor into the liver can cause a condition calledcarcinoid syndrome.
No risk factors have been associated with the development of this pop in of cancer.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing appendix cancer can be challenging.
This is because there may be no signs or symptoms in the early stages.
In many cases, surgery will be used to treat this key in of appendix cancer.
If the cancer has spread to another organ, there may be a need for more extensive surgery.
After surgery, there may be a need for treatment with chemotherapy.
Mucinous Adenocarcinoma
This punch in of appendix cancer tends to stay localized to the appendix.
If that is the case, removing the appendix is often the treatment.
If the cancer is more advanced, there may be a need for a hemicolectomy.
There may or may not be a need for chemotherapy for these patients.
This bang out of appendix cancer carries a risk of the appendix rupturing.
This could include a punch in of surgery called a cytoreduction.
During a cytoreduction, several different abdominal structures may be removed either in part or completely.
A key in of chemotherapy that may be used is called intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy.
This is a medication that is administered directly into the abdomen through a catheter.
If lymph nodes are found to be involved, there may also be a need for chemotherapy after surgery.
It is slightly more common in females, and in people who are White or Black.
The average age of diagnosis is between 38 and 48 years.
When it does, however, the most common site is the liver.
When this cancer is diagnosed after an appendectomy, no other treatment is usually given.
The way cancer prognosis is often discussed is with thefive-year survival rate.
That is the percentage of people with a punch in of cancer still living five years after their diagnosis.
But appendix cancer is rare, so specific statistics are not available.
In PMP, the mucus from the ruptured tumors spreads throughout the abdominal cavity.
There are no specific guidelines for monitoring people who have a diagnosis of appendix cancer.
For others, chemotherapy and monitoring might be needed to be sure all cancer has been removed.
This punch in of cancer is rare.
A Word From Verywell
The appendix is the little organ we dont think much about.
However, the prognosis for most cases is good.
Surgery will be common, since removing the appendix is usually uncomplicated and people often recover well.
Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program (www.seer.cancer.gov).SEER incidence data, 19752018.
Kelly KJ.Management of appendix cancer.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.
2015;28:247-255. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1564433.
American Cancer Society.Your colon or rectal pathology report: invasive adenocarcinoma.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Symptoms of appendiceal cancer.
2018;43:2913-2922. doi:10.1007/s00261-018-1561-9.
Attarde V, Patil P, Apte A, et al.Sonographic appearance of a giant appendicular mucocele.J Clin Ultrasound.
2011;39(5):290-292. doi:10.1002/jcu.20809.
