Cancer can occur in almost any organ or tissue, including in the appendix. While rare, appendix cancer can occur and poses a serious risk to the patient’s health. Many children and teens experience appendicitis and have their appendix removed with an appendectomy, eliminating their chance of appendix cancer. For adults who still have their appendix, cancer is a possibility. Danny Shouhed, M.D. is a board certified GI surgeon that offers appendix cancer treatments at our medical center in Los Angeles.
Appendix cancer rarely occurs in children; it is almost always seen in adults and risk can increase with age. However, appendix cancer and tumors are less than 1% of GI tract cancers. In some cases, there are no symptoms early in appendix cancer, and it is only found when the appendix becomes inflamed or appendicitis occurs.
There are several different types of appendix cancers or tumors. The most common type are neuroendocrine tumors, which account for about 50% of appendix tumors.
Surgery is usually the first course of treatment for appendix cancer. An appendectomy is performed to remove the appendix, but additional tissue may need to be removed. This can include a hemicolectomy or debulking surgery. Other appendix cancer treatments that may be used include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
If you suffer from symptoms of appendix cancer, you should seek medical attention and diagnosis. If you need appendix cancer treatment, contact the office of Danny Shouhed, M.D. in Los Angeles. Dr. Shouhed is an experienced general surgeon who can perform effective appendectomy, hemicolectomy and other appendix cancer treatments.