With over three decades of surgical experience, Dr. Rajeev Kapoor has managed complex abdominal conditions, including rare gastrointestinal malignancies. One such rare but important condition is appendiceal cancer.
Because it is uncommon, many patients ask:
“Is appendiceal cancer curable?”
The answer depends largely on the type of tumor, stage at diagnosis, and extent of spread. Early-stage disease can often be treated successfully with surgery.
What Is Appendiceal Cancer?
Appendiceal cancer is a malignancy that originates in the appendix — a small tube attached to the large intestine.
It is rare and often discovered incidentally during surgery for suspected appendicitis.
Types of Appendiceal Tumors
Not all appendiceal tumors behave the same way. Common types include:
1️⃣ Neuroendocrine Tumors (Carcinoid Tumors)
- Most common type
- Often slow-growing
- Frequently curable if detected early
2️⃣ Mucinous Adenocarcinoma
- Produces mucus
- Can spread within the abdominal cavity
3️⃣ Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma
- Rare and aggressive
- Requires advanced treatment
Each type has a different prognosis and management strategy.
What Are the Symptoms?
Appendiceal cancer may not produce early symptoms. When present, they may include:
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Bloating or increasing abdominal girth
- Ascites (fluid accumulation)
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
In many cases, it mimics appendicitis.
Is Appendiceal Cancer Curable?
Yes — especially when detected early and confined to the appendix.
Curability Depends On:
- Tumor type
- Stage at diagnosis
- Whether it has spread to lymph nodes
- Presence of peritoneal spread
Early-stage neuroendocrine tumors smaller than 2 cm often have an excellent prognosis after surgery.
Advanced disease requires more aggressive management.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Ultrasound or CT scan
- Colonoscopy (in selected cases)
- Biopsy
- Histopathological examination after appendectomy
Sometimes, the diagnosis is made only after the appendix is removed.
Treatment Options for Appendiceal Cancer
Treatment is primarily surgical and tailored to tumor type and spread.
1️⃣ Appendectomy
Removal of the appendix.
Suitable for:
- Small, localized tumors
- Early-stage neuroendocrine tumors
Often curative in selected cases.
2️⃣ Right Hemicolectomy
This procedure removes the right side of the colon along with nearby lymph nodes.
Recommended when:
- Tumor is larger than 2 cm
- Lymph node involvement is suspected
- Adenocarcinoma is diagnosed
This improves long-term survival in appropriate patients.
3️⃣ Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC
For advanced disease that has spread within the abdominal cavity, cytoreductive surgery removes visible tumor deposits. It is followed by HIPEC (Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) to destroy microscopic cancer cells.
This is a specialized procedure performed in selected centers.
What Is the Survival Rate?
Prognosis varies:
- Early-stage neuroendocrine tumors → Excellent survival rates
- Localized adenocarcinoma → Good outcomes with surgery
- Advanced metastatic disease → Requires multimodal treatment
Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes.
Can Appendiceal Cancer Spread?
Yes. It can spread to:
- Peritoneum (abdominal lining)
- Liver
- Lymph nodes
Mucinous tumors may cause a condition called pseudomyxoma peritonei, where mucus accumulates in the abdomen.
Importance of Early Evaluation
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent unexplained abdominal pain
- Increasing abdominal swelling
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurrent appendicitis-like symptoms
Early imaging and evaluation are critical.
Conclusion
Appendiceal cancer is rare but potentially curable, especially when detected early. Surgical treatment remains the cornerstone of management, with advanced options available for selected patients.
Timely diagnosis, accurate staging, and individualized surgical planning determine the final outcome, and patients considering Appendiceal Cancer Treatment in Mohali should consult an experienced gastrointestinal surgeon for proper evaluation and treatment guidance.
