Appendix Cancer Treatment in Chandigarh, Punjab, India — Dr. Rajeev Kapoor
Understanding Appendix Cancer
Appendix cancer is rare and often detected incidentally during treatment for appendicitis. Subtypes include neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors and epithelial tumors such as mucinous and non-mucinous adenocarcinomas. Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), a condition where mucinous tumor cells spread within the abdomen, may develop in certain advanced mucinous cases.
Types & Prognosis Overview
- Neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoids): Often small, early-stage, and curable with surgery. Five-year survival between 67% to 97% depending on tumor grade.
- Mucinous adenocarcinomas: Moderate prognosis; typical 5-year survival about 64%, with better outcomes for localized disease.
- Non-mucinous adenocarcinomas: More aggressive, with approximately 49% 5-year survival.
- Advanced or metastatic disease: Prognosis varies widely—some low-grade cases treated aggressively can span years; high-grade or late-stage cases may have a 5-year survival as low as 10%, but outcomes depend on subtype and treatment.
Treatment Strategies
Surgery & Cytoreduction
- Treatment is tailored by tumor type and extent.
- Appendectomy is often sufficient for early neuroendocrine tumors.
- Right hemicolectomy may be needed for larger or lymph node–involved tumors.
- For mucinous tumors with peritoneal spread or PMP, cytoreductive surgery aims to remove visible disease.
Chemotherapy & HIPEC
- When cancer has spread within the abdomen, HIPEC (heated chemotherapy directly into the peritoneal cavity) may be used alongside cytoreductive surgery.
- Systemic chemotherapy is considered in select advanced cases, especially for high-grade or metastatic tumors, although its survival benefit can vary.
Recovery & Follow-Up Care
- Recovery timelines vary based on surgery complexity and whether HIPEC was administered.
- Ongoing follow-up includes regular imaging and monitoring of relevant tumor markers for several years—especially critical in cases of mucinous tumors or PMP due to potential late recurrence.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Appendiceal cancer often presents with nonspecific symptoms—abdominal pain, bloating, or it is discovered incidentally. Diagnosis generally involves imaging and biopsy. In advanced cases, signs of abdominal distension or digestive obstruction may prompt further evaluation.
Why Choose Dr. Rajeev Kapoor?
- Expertise in rare gastrointestinal cancers, including all histologic subtypes of appendiceal tumors.
- Skilled in advanced surgical techniques including cytoreductive surgery and coordination of complex care.
- Holistic, patient-centered approach offering personalized guidance, support, and comprehensive long-term surveillance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is appendix cancer curable?
Early-stage tumors—especially carcinoid or localized adenocarcinoma—can be cured with surgery alone.
Why is prognosis so variable?
It depends on tumor subtype, spread at diagnosis, and treatment options (surgery, HIPEC, chemo).
Is aggressive treatment worth it?
For select advanced mucinous cases, aggressive cytoreduction with HIPEC has shown significantly improved outcomes.
Are regular check-ups necessary?
Yes—due to risk of recurrence, especially in mucinous tumors or PMP.
How common is appendix cancer?
It’s extremely rare—historically 1–2 cases per million annually, though new studies show rising diagnosis rates, especially among younger individuals. ASC PublicationsVerywell Health+1health.com+2New York Post+2
