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Appendix cancer is rare (affecting about 1,000 people in the US yearly and considered part of the cancer statistics of digestive organs. These cancers may develop in the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum or appendix. This develops when healthy cells in the appendix grow abnormally and multiply uncontrollably by forming a tumor. These cancerous tumors may spread cancer cells to other parts of the body. Patients may have better outcomes if the cancer has not spread beyond the appendix. Doctors are unclear what causes appendix cancer and no avoidable risk factors have been identified.

Who gets appendix cancer?

An individual's family history could play role in appendix cancer. Higher risk individuals are ones who family member(s) have been diagnosed with

· appendix cancer

· Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (Men 1) syndrome which are tumors of the endocrine (hormone producing) glands.

Medical conditions that affect acid production in the stomach may also increase risk of the disease. Women are more likely than men to develop carcinoid tumors, one type of appendix cancer.

Appendix cancer symptoms

Cancers of the appendix typically do not cause symptoms until they have reached an advanced stage. Symptoms may include:

· Apendicitis

· Ovarian Masses

· Loss of appetite

· Bloating or increase in abdominal girth

· Changes in bowel function

· Abdominal pain, particularly in the lower right side of the abdomen

· Indigestion

· New hernias

· Reflux

· Vomiting

Diagnosing appendix cancer

Appendix cancer is often diagnosed by chance. It may show up during testing or treatment for other conditions or during surgery for appendicitis.

· Lab test, such as urine and blood samples, and advanced genomic testing to examine the DNA of tumor cells

· Ultrasound

· MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)

· CT Scan (computed tomography scan)

· PET scan (Positron emission tomography scan)

For further information and treating appendix cancer, go to: cancercenter.com