While appendiceal cancer is rare, there are many signs and symptoms that might indicate the disease. These changes include swelling of the abdomen, pain, and abdominal distention. The appendix is an organ in the abdominal cavity. When cancer grows in the appendix, it can spread to other parts of the body. A biopsy can help your doctor diagnose the disease and determine the best course of treatment. The survival rate for appendiceal cancer is about five years, although the chances of surviving this cancer are much lower.
There are two types of appendix cancer. The first is non-mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinomas, which start in cells of the inner lining of the appendix. These tumors have a tendency to spread, and they are typically diagnosed in people in their 50s. The second type is called adenocarcinomas, and it resembles regular colorectal cancer. The last type is called signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma, which develops in the colon and stomach.
While appendiceal cancer has few noticeable symptoms in its early stages, it can be a warning sign of advanced disease. Symptoms may occur with the onset of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Patients should see a doctor as soon as possible if they have any of these symptoms. In addition, a biopsy can help determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the abdominal cavity. The first step in treating appendiceal cancer is to find out the type of tumor.
Often, appendiceal cancer does not present any symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body. Because of the specialized nature of the disease, treatment for appendiceal cancer is highly specialized. A high-volume cancer center, Moffitt Cancer Center, in Tampa, Florida, has a highly trained team that can create a customized treatment plan for each patient. These personalized treatments lead to higher treatment effectiveness, improved survival rates, and a higher quality of life.
Most cases of appendix cancer are found incidentally while doctors are looking for the source of the disease. While the disease is rare, it is important to note that there is very little clinical trial data available on the symptoms of the disease. However, if the cancer has spread to other organs, surgery may be necessary. If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, a lymphectomy will not be enough. If the cancer has spread to the liver or lungs, chemotherapy is recommended.
There are numerous signs and symptoms of appendix cancer. In the early stages, it is difficult to detect. As with most cancers, it is diagnosed after it has progressed to a stage where it has spread to other organs. It is common for symptoms of the cancer to be sporadic and may not be present at all. It is important to seek a doctor immediately to ensure that the cancer is not advanced.
