Appendix cancer is classified as a type of adenocarcinoma, which develops when the cells in the appendix start to multiply and become tumorous. The appendix is part of the digestive tract, and is located near the junction of the large and small intestines. While its exact function is unknown, some experts believe it is involved in immune function and is therefore considered a vestigial organ. If you have a tumor in the appendix, it is called adenocarcinoma.
While appendix cancer can present with many symptoms, there is usually only one symptom. Those symptoms are usually present when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. In severe cases, cytoreduction surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor. The most common symptom is abdominal pain. There may also be other signs and symptoms, such as fever or nausea. Regardless of the type of cancer, these symptoms are a sign that your appendix is swollen or ruptured.
Although appendix cancer is a relatively rare condition, it does have certain signs and symptoms. It is thought to affect one or two people per million in the United States. The majority of cases are diagnosed after the appendix has been removed for another reason, such as appendicitis. Some cases are detected during imaging tests such as CT scans. A doctor will also recommend treatment based on the results of these tests.
A doctor will also check for other symptoms. A doctor will look for tumors that are large or irregular. If a tumor is asymptomatic, it can be benign. In this case, it is unlikely to spread. It can also be difficult to tell if it is malignant or not. If it is in the peritoneum, it is usually treated with surgery. The cancer is usually detected in the abdomen after the symptoms have developed.
The most common appendix cancer symptoms are bloating, abdominal pain, and peritoneal fluid in the abdomen. The tumors may be a mix of cell types and have a number of characteristics. Usually, the tumors grow rapidly and may invade nearby organs. In addition to bloating, appendix cancer can be a symptom of many different diseases. For this reason, a doctor should be consulted promptly to rule out any possible underlying conditions.
The most common appendix cancer symptom is appendicitis. A doctor will recommend an invasive surgery such as laparoscopy. The resulting tumor is typically a small growth of cancer cells and may spread to the lymph nodes. A biopsy will determine if the tumor is benign or malignant. A pathologist will also check the blood and stool for signs of the disease. There are several other ways that a cancerous mass can spread to other parts of the body.
While appendix cancer symptoms are the most common, they may not be appendix cancer symptoms in and of themselves. These symptoms could be the result of a more serious ailment, such as a heart condition or an infection. Depending on the type of cancer, the symptoms may be a sign of another ailment. A biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a sample of tissue from the appendix.