Appendix cancers are a very rare group of cancers that originate in various cells of the appendix, a small tube-like organ at the transition of the small and large intestine. They affect fewer than 2,000 people in the United States each year. Carcinoid tumors, also called neuroendocrine tumors, account for roughly 50 percent of appendix cancers. These tumors are often small and can be treated with appendectomy alone, but in some cases may require more extensive surgery. Because appendix cancer is such a rare cancer, it is critical for patients to get care from physicians highly experienced in treating this disease.
Appendix Cancer at Markey Cancer Center
Using state-of-the-art technology and leading-edge medical and surgical interventions, Markey’s appendix cancer team provides advanced and timely diagnosis and individualized, ongoing care for patients. Each patient is cared for by a team of specialists who meet regularly to discuss individual patient cases and treatment plans. This multidisciplinary team will work with you and your doctor to coordinate a care plan designed to offer the best outcomes.
Markey has provided state-of-the-art cancer care for more than 30 years, and we are proud to be the only cancer center in Kentucky designated by the National Cancer Institute. Since
Appendix cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Chronic pain in the right lower abdomen
- Diarrhea
- Fullness or bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
Appendix cancer is rare, and survival rates are based on how these groups have recovered in the past. According to the National Cancer Institute, these statistics are imprecise. The five-year survival rate for neuroendocrine appendix cancer and other low-grade tumors is between 67 and 97 percent. The survival rate for more advanced cancer of the appendix that has spread to other parts of the body can be much lower.
You can lower your risk of cancer by taking steps to build a healthy lifestyle. Here are some ways you can lower your risk for this disease, as well as improve your overall basic health:
- Avoid using tobacco products. Tobacco has been tied to multiple cancers, and it is responsible for 90 percent of lung cancer deaths.
- Stay physically active. Your physical activity is related to risk for colon and breast cancer. Excess weight gained from inactivity increases the risk of multiple cancers.
- Limit alcohol consumption. It is important to be mindful of how much alcohol you drink. Alcohol intake, even in moderate amounts, can increase the risk for colon, breast, esophageal and oropharyngeal cancer.
- Learn about screenings. Your primary care doctor can recommend appropriate cancer screenings based on your age, personal risk and family history.
- Age. On average, people with appendix cancer are diagnosed at age 40.
- Gender. Women are more likely to develop appendix cancer than men.
- Family history. People are at a higher risk if they have close relatives with appendix cancer or a disease called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, also known as Wermer syndrome.
- Medical history. People are at a higher risk who have had conditions that affect acid production in the stomach, such as atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
- Smoking. Appendix cancer is more common in smokers than non-smokers.
- For your first visit, you will be directed to the multidisciplinary clinic in the Whitney-Hendrickson Building.
- Several parking options are available to patients of Markey Cancer Center.
- Please bring your patient packet with the completed forms. These items will help your doctor learn more about your case and determine the best plan for your care.
- To meet our patient needs, UK HealthCare accepts many forms of insurance.
Clinical trials are research studies aimed at evaluating medical, surgical or behavioral interventions to determine whether a new treatment is safe and effective.
At UK Markey Cancer Center, we are advancing cancer care and research to prevent, detect and treat cancer – one patient at a time. As a patient at Markey, you have a team of people looking at your individual case, applying the most recent cancer knowledge to give you the best chance of survival.
Markey has more open clinical trials than any other cancer center in the region, giving you access to some of the most advanced options available. Learn more about ongoing clinical trials for treating appendix cancer below.
