Introduction
Appendiceal cancer is a rare condition where cancerous cells form in the appendix, a small pouch connected to the large intestine. Occurring in just 0.12% of all gastrointestinal tumors, appendiceal malignancies fail to receive major publicity or research attention compared to more common abdominal cancers. But for patients diagnosed, these perplexing diseases bring intense challenges.
Img Credit: – MD Anderson Cancer Center
The Appendix and Its Functions
Situated in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, the appendix is a narrow, dead-end tube ranging from two to four inches long. Scientists still debate its physiological purposes, but the appendix likely supports good gut bacteria and immune system functioning. Nonetheless, appendectomies remain one of the most routine operations with minimal long-term health impacts.
Types of Appendiceal Cancers
Appendiceal tumors take various shapes depending on their cell of origin. Epithelial tumors like mucinous adenocarcinomas or goblet cell carcinoids arise from appendix lining cells and account for over half of cases. Meanwhile, non-epithelial growths like sarcomas emerge from muscle layers or connective tissue surrounding the appendix. The position of tumors also influences classification and treatment plans.
Common Signs and Symptom Patterns
As with many abdominal diseases, appendiceal cancers rarely cause overt symptoms detectable in early stages. Some individuals experience pain or fullness in the lower abdomen, changes in bowel movements, bloating, or pelvic pain. But such non-specific indicators get frequently misattributed to less serious possible conditions. This leaves patients vulnerable to cancers spreading by the time of discovery.
Diagnosis and Treatment Basics
Imaging tests like CT scans detect and characterize appendiceal masses, while bloodwork evaluating cancer biomarkers aids diagnosis. After confirmation, patients undergo surgery to remove tumors and parts of the colon or peritoneum affected. For advanced diseases spreading to the lining of the abdomen, aggressive tumor removal surgery known as HIPEC aims to eliminate microscopic traces. If cancer remains following operations, chemotherapy keeps malignant cells from multiplying.
Long Term Outlook Varies by Stage
Catching appendiceal malignancies early on generally correlates to positive outcomes – 5-year survival reaches 80-90% for localized tumors. Unfortunately over 60% of patients end up diagnosed after cancer spread beyond the primary site, dragging down survival metrics. And even after successful treatment, lifelong monitoring remains critical due to recurrence risk years later. Early intervention offers the best protection against this formidable foe.
