Appendix cancer (appendiceal cancer) is a rare disease. It occurs when the cells in your appendix mutate (change) and grow out of control. There are several benign and malignant tumors that can develop in the appendix, including carcinoid tumors, mucinous cystadenomas, and appendiceal adenocarcinomas. Appendix cancer can occur at any age, but it’s more likely to develop in people over 50. It’s also more common in women than men. Some symptoms of appendix cancer include appendicitis, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, nausea, and vomiting. Experts don’t think there is a genetic or familial factor to this cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), and targeted drug therapy are some common treatments for appendix cancer.
Reference:
Van de Moortele, M., De Hertogh, G., Sagaert, X., & Van Cutsem, E. (2020). Appendiceal cancer: a review of the literature. Acta gastro-enterologica Belgica, 83(3), 441–448.
