Imagine waking up to a sharp pain in the lower right abdomen. At first, it is often ignored as a simple stomachache or indigestion. When the pain doesn’t go away and starts to worsen, you may begin to wonder. Is this appendicitis, or could it be something more serious, like appendix cancer?
Dr Sanjoy Mandal, a leading GI cancer doctor in Kolkata, has seen patients come in with abdominal pain. Whether it’s a simple case of appendicitis or the early signs of something more severe, like appendix tumours or appendiceal cancer symptoms.
This blog outlines the types of appendix cancer, the symptoms to watch out for, the role of biopsies, staging, and treatment options. It also provides answers to frequently asked questions, helping you better understand the condition.
What is Appendix Cancer?
It is a type of cancer that starts in the appendix, a small finger-like organ found where the small intestine meets the large intestine. It happens when abnormal cells grow out of control inside the appendix. This uncontrolled growth can lead to the formation of a tumour.
Types of Appendix Cancer
Carcinoid Tumours
They are the most common type of appendix cancer. They usually grow slow and often do not cause symptoms in the early stages. Many cases are found by chance during surgery for other conditions.
Adenocarcinoma
It is a more aggressive form of appendix cancer. It develops from gland-like cells that line the appendix. This type tends to spread faster and may affect nearby organs. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial for achieving better outcomes.
Goblet Cell Carcinoma
Goblet cell carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the appendix. It gets its name from the goblet cells, which produce mucus. This cancer grows slow, but it may spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms can include pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for better outcomes.
Mucinous Neoplasms
It produces large amounts of mucus inside the appendix. If the tumour bursts, this mucus can spread within the abdomen and cause serious complications. The spread of mucus may also lead to a condition called pseudomyxoma peritonei. Surgery is the main treatment for this type.
Appendix Cancer Symptoms
At first, appendix cancer can look almost exactly like appendicitis. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden abdominal pain, usually in the lower right side
- Bloating or swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fluid buildup in the Abdomen
Addressing symptoms early can lead to better outcomes. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanjoy Mandal, a leading gastrointestinal oncosurgeon in Kolkata, for a thorough diagnosis and effective treatment options.
Signs of Appendix Cancer
- Abdominal swelling that continues beyond the usual pain
- Unexplained weight loss even without dieting
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation)
- Blood in stool or persistent bloating
Difference Between Appendicitis and Appendix Cancer
Features of Appendicitis
- Sudden and sharp pain starting near the belly button and moving to the right lower abdomen.
- Fever, nausea, and loss of appetite
- Pain worsening within hours
- Usually requires urgent surgeryPain that comes and goes over weeks or months
- A firm lump or swelling in the abdomen
- Gradual changes in digestion or bowel habits
- Ongoing bloating even without rich meals
Experiencing these symptoms? Book an appointment with Dr. Sanjoy Mandal, a trusted gastrointestinal oncosurgeon in Kolkata, for an accurate diagnosis and the best course of action.
When to seek urgent evaluation
Seek medical attention if you notice:
- Abdominal pain that lasts more than a few days
- Ongoing bloating or swelling
- Unexplained weight changes
- Blood in your stool or urine
How is Appendix Cancer Diagnosed?
- Physical Exam
- Imaging Tests
- Biopsy
- Blood Tests
Role of Biopsy and Pathology in Appendix Cancer Diagnosis
Appendix cancer is often discovered after an appendectomy, a surgery to remove the appendix. Once the appendix is removed, a biopsy is performed to take a tissue sample. The sample is then examined by a pathologist under a microscope to check for cancer.
Here’s how biopsy and pathology help:
Biopsy: A tissue sample from the appendix is taken during surgery. This helps doctors check for abnormal cells or tumours.
Pathology: The pathologist examines the sample to look for cancer cells. They determine whether the tumour is cancerous.
Cancer Staging: Pathology also helps figure out the stage of the cancer. This means understanding if the cancer is only in the appendix or has spread to other parts.
Biopsy and pathology are key steps in diagnosing appendix cancer. They help doctors confirm the presence of cancer and create a personalised treatment plan. Early detection through pathology can lead to better treatment outcomes.
Importance of Staging and Grading in Appendix Cancer
Once cancer is detected, doctors use staging and grading to assess the disease.
Staging
- It helps in determining how far the disease has spread. If it is still confined to the appendix, it’s in an early stage.
- If it has spread to nearby organs or distant parts of the body, the stage is higher, indicating a more advanced condition that may need more aggressive treatment.
Grading
It looks at how abnormal the cancer cells are. The more abnormal the cells, the higher the grade.
Higher grades indicate that the disease is growing faster and may be more challenging to treat.
Both staging and grading help doctors decide on the best treatment. Higher stages and grades typically indicate that the disease is more advanced and requires more intensive treatment options.
Risk Factors of Appendix Cancer
| Risk Factors | Explanation |
Age and Gender Trends | Appendix cancer is more common in adults over 50, with a higher rate in women. |
Genetic and Hereditary Links | Individuals with certain inherited conditions may be at a higher risk, although these cases are rare. |
Lifestyle and Other Medical Conditions | Lifestyle factors like obesity, poor diet, and lack of activity can affect cancer risk. |
How is Appendix Cancer Treated?
Surgical options
- Appendectomy
- Right hemicolectomy
- Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC (heated chemotherapy)
Non-surgical treatments
- Traditional chemotherapy
- Targeted therapies or drugs in clinical trials
Conclusion
Appendix cancer is rare but serious. Early detection is crucial, as its symptoms often resemble appendicitis. Recognising signs like persistent pain, unexplained weight loss, and bloating can help identify the condition early. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. If you notice unusual symptoms, seek prompt medical advice.
Book an Appointment
For a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, consult Dr. Sanjoy Mandal, a leading gastrointestinal oncosurgeon in Kolkata.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
1.How painful is appendix cancer?
Appendix cancer can cause mild to severe pain in the abdomen. The pain may be persistent or come and go. It often starts as discomfort, which can worsen over time.
- Can a blood test detect appendix cancer?
Blood tests, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or CA 19-9, may help detect appendix cancer. Elevated levels of these markers can be the presence of cancer, but are not definitive on their own.
- What is Stage 1 appendix cancer?
Stage 1 appendix cancer has grown deeper into the appendix but hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes or other areas of the body. It’s the earliest stage and can be treated with surgery.
- Appendix cancer symptoms in females
In females, appendix cancer may cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. It may also cause weight loss or fatigue, which are signs to be aware of.
- How rare is appendix cancer?
Appendix cancer is extremely rare. In the United States, appendix cancer affects approximately 1 to 2 people out of every 1 million each year.