Appendiceal Cancer


Overview and Facts about Appendiceal Cancer

Appendiceal cancer is cancer of the appendix. Your appendix is a pouchy, tube-shaped organ attached to the first section of your large intestine, which is called the cecum. Although the exact function and purpose of the appendix is not fully understood, scientists in the medical community believe it may play a role in the function of your body’s lymphatic, exocrine or endocrine systems.

Appendiceal cancer occurs when the cells within the appendix tissue transform and grow uncontrollably. Depending on the type of transformation, these cells may grow to form a malignant or cancerous tumor, thus leading to the onset of appendiceal cancer. Appendiceal cancer is a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer and cases in which the appendix tumor has spread or become malignant are exceedingly rare.

Appendiceal cancer can occur in many forms. For example, one particular form of appendiceal cancer involves the growth of appendiceal mucoceles or mucous-filled sacs, which grow from the appendix wall and can build up and spread a substance called mucin throughout the abdomen. This buildup of mucin can further cause abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel changes in affected individuals.

Cancer cell

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