Appendix Cancer
Overview
Appendix (or appendiceal) cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the appendix. They may be either be malignant or benign. Malignant appendix tumors can spread to other parts of the body, while benign tumors remain relegated to the appendix.
Risk Factors
The causes and risk factors of appendix cancer include:
- Age – Appendix cancer is commonly diagnosed in people over 50; it is rare in children
- Smoking – Smokers are more likely to develop appendix cancer than non-smokers.
Signs and Symptoms
Appendix cancer often causes no symptoms in the early stages. Some of the symptoms may present as:
- Vague abdominal discomfort in the lower right abdomen
- Abdominal distension, bloating and feeling of fullness
Diagnosis
- Imaging
- CT scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses x-rays to build cross-sectional images of the body. It also helps to identify the spread of cancer.
Treatment
Treatment of appendix cancer depends on several factors, such as type of tumor, location and extent of spread and overall health of the patient.
