Appendiceal cancer, also known as appendix cancer, is a very rare type of cancer most often found when patients are having appendix-related surgeries or unrelated abdominal surgeries and scans.
At Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, our approach to diagnosing, treating and caring for appendix cancer patients involves a multi-disciplinary team of cancer experts and medical professionals dedicated to identifying the stage of cancer and the most effective treatment options for each individual patient.
Edward Levine, MD, professor, and chief surgical oncologist, and his team have deep expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of appendiceal cancer. This team is on the forefront of the latest research and advanced techniques used in the treatment of appendix cancer.
Types of Appendix Cancer
Appendix cancer is defined by the type of cells within the tumor. The main types are:
- Carcinoid tumors: Approximately half of appendix cancers are carcinoid tumors. Carcinoid tumors are most often found in women in their 40s. These tumors are small and can often be treated successfully.
- Non-carcinoid tumors: These tumors begin in cells that line the inside of the appendix. Non-carcinoid tumors have a tendency to spread, and the success of treatment depends on several factors.
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP): Mucin within the abdomen has few tumor cells, but cells may spread outside the appendix into the abdomen. Adenocarcinoid tumors, also known as goblet cell carcinomas, have characteristics similar to both carcinoid and adenocarcinoma tumors of the appendix and they are more aggressive than carcinoid tumors. Most patients are diagnosed in their 50s.
Early Access to Latest Treatments
Because we are NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are a leading cancer research center. We are able to offer our patients early access to the latest cancer treatments and we’re able to offer clinical trials for every type and stage of cancer, including appendix cancer.
