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What is Appendix Cancer?
The appendix is a small organ in the lower-right abdomen. It is approximately 4 inches long and is attached to the end of the large intestine. The exact function of the appendix is unknown, and it can be removed with no obvious health problems.
Appendix tumors are very rare, and may be benign or malignant. Carcinoid tumors are the most common type of appendix cancer and make up over half of all appendix cancer diagnoses. Carcinoid tumors are indolent (slow-growing) tumors that start in the hormone-producing neuroendocrine cells of the appendix. These tumors often form at the tip of the appendix.
Other types of appendix cancer include the following:
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Mucinous adenocarcinoma
Mucinous adenocarcinomas are potentially indolent (slow-growing or low-grade) tumors that begin in the cells lining the inside of the appendix. These tumors secrete a jelly-like substance known as mucin. Over time, this mucin can build up in the abdominal cavity and interfere with normal organ function, leading to additional health complications. This is a condition known as pseudomyoxoma peritonei.
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Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinomas form in the glandular cells inside the appendix, and may behave very much like colon cancer. These tumors can grow through the layers of the appendix, and eventually metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
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Signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma
Signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a very rare and aggressive tumor. When viewed under a microscope, these cancer cells look like signet rings, because they are filled with mucus, which pushes the nuclei to the edges of the cells.
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Goblet cell adenocarcinomas:
Goblet cell adenocarcinomas of the appendix used to be called goblet cell carcinoids but due to aggressive behavior have been renamed and act more similar to poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas than carcinoid tumors. These tumors are composed of goblet-like mucinous cells as well as endocrine cells.
