What is adenocarcinoma of the appendix?
Adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a epithelial cancer of the appendix. The term ‘epithelium’ refers to cells that line hollow organs and glands and those that make up the outer surface of the body. Epithelial cells help to protect or enclose organs. Some produce mucus or other secretions.
Can an appendix be cancerous?
Appendix cancer is rare. Most cases of appendix cancer are found when patients are having appendix-related surgeries like appendicitis or unrelated abdominal surgeries and scans. Surgery is the most common treatment option for appendix cancer.
Can you get appendix cancer after having appendix removed?
Many people with appendiceal cancer are diagnosed after the appendix is removed when it is believed they have appendicitis. For people without symptoms, these tumors can also be discovered if the person has an imaging test for another reason.
What causes tumor in appendix?
Scientists have established that tumors can form in the appendix when its cells undergo abnormal changes and multiply at a very rapid pace. The excess cells can build up and form a tumor, which can potentially spread to other tissues and organs. There are no known causes of this abnormal cellular development.
What causes adenocarcinoma of the appendix?
Some risk factors for appendix cancer include: Smoking. A family history of appendix cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome. Certain conditions that affect the stomach’s ability to produce acid, such as pernicious anemia, atrophic gastritis and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Where does appendix cancer usually spread to?
Appendiceal cancer can spread to different parts of the abdomen directly from the appendix, usually when it ruptures. Less often, appendiceal cancer can spread through lymph nodes to areas outside the abdomen.
How is cancer of the appendix treated?
Surgery is the removal of the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue during an operation. It is the most common treatment for appendix cancer. Most often, appendix cancer is low-grade (see Stages and Grades) and, therefore, slow-growing. Often it can be successfully treated with surgery alone.