Appendix cancer or appendiceal cancer is a malignancy of the vermiform appendix, accounting for about 1 in 200 of all gastrointestinal malignancies.

Presentation

This is a very rare condition and can vary in type, the most common pathologies are carcinoid tumors or adenocarcinoma.

Appendiceal tumors often present with peritoneal seeding, resulting in peritoneal carcinomatosis or Pseudomyxoma peritonei (sometimes known as PMP).

Notable cases

Audrey
Hepburn was a notable victim of appendix cancer, dying of the disease in 1993.

Treatment

In most cases the tumor has spread outside of the appendiceal tissue. Treatment includes CRS or cytoreductive surgery which includes the removal of visible tumor and affected essential organs within the abdomen and pelvis. The peritoneal cavity is infused with heated chemotherapy known as HIPEC in an attempt to eradicate residual disease. The surgery may or may not be preceded or followed with intravenous chemotherapy.