Appendix is a small organ that has the potential to harbor cancer. It is often diagnosed late in the course of the disease because of the lack of early symptoms. Your doctor may notice the signs during an appendicitis examination or during treatment. Your doctor may recommend a number of tests to rule out the possibility of appendicitis. Your doctor may also request urine or blood tests and imaging scans. A biopsy of the appendix can also confirm the presence of cancer.
Symptoms of appendix cancer can vary widely. Typically, cancer does not cause any symptoms until it has spread to the lymph nodes or has invaded the abdominal cavity. Some of these symptoms are signs of a more benign condition or may be completely unrelated to the disease. Still, it’s important to consult a medical professional if you suspect that you may have these symptoms. In some cases, they may be symptoms of a more serious problem.
The first step in the diagnosis of appendix cancer is to determine the type of cancer. While appendix cancer doesn’t typically cause any symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage, the symptoms can indicate something more serious. For example, if you notice bleeding or pain in your abdomen, you may have a lining cell type tumor. These types of tumors are most common among women in their 40s.
Other symptoms include swelling of the appendix and mucus production. The inflammation of the appendix cells causes mucus to be produced. When these tissues grow abnormally, they will produce mucus. This mucus has a gelatinous consistency. The cells that create this substance are referred to as the epithelial type of cancer. This type of tumor has a tendency to spread throughout the body. Pseudomyxoma peritonei syndrome is a rare and undiagnosed symptom of appendiceal cancer.
Depending on the type of cancer, the symptoms of appendix cancer may vary greatly. The symptoms may be indicative of other conditions. If they are not a cause of concern for you, talk to your doctor about the risk factors associated with your particular case. They may also indicate other more serious conditions. If the symptoms are too severe, you should contact a doctor right away. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the better chance you’ll be able to treat the cancer.
Often, appendix cancer symptoms are not immediately obvious, but they may be indicative of other problems. While these symptoms are not always indicative of appendix cancer, they may be a sign of other ailments. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a doctor right away. If your pain is accompanied by other signs, you may have a benign condition. Your doctor can suggest a treatment option.
