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Appendix Cancer Screening

There is currently no screening test to detect appendiceal cancers. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs of appendix cancer.

Screening for Cancer of the Appendix

Appendix cancer is rare, affecting fewer than 1,000 people in the U.S. per year. There is currently no FDA-approved appendix cancer screening test available to detect it before symptoms appear. To date, none have proved to reduce appendix cancer deaths in the general population.

Often, appendix cancer is diagnosed after the organ is removed because of suspected appendicitis or ruptured appendix and then subsequent lab tests indicate cancer. Or it’s caught on imaging ordered to diagnose a different condition.

Appendix Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Early-stage appendix cancer does not usually have symptoms. Anyone experiencing the following possible signs of appendix cancer should talk to their doctor right away.

  • Abdominal pain, particularly in the lower left quadrant that may be diagnosed as appendicitis
  • An expanded abdomen and a bloated feeling
  • A mass in the abdomen
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Feeling full quickly when eating
  • Changes in bowel habits

The vast majority of people who experience abdominal pain and other symptoms do not have appendix cancer. Still, it’s important to seek a diagnosis right away. The sooner appendix cancer is diagnosed, the better your prognosis will be.

Types of Appendix Cancer

Appendiceal cancers, also known as appendix cancers, as a whole are rare, but there are also several types, making each individual one even more rare. Knowing which type you have will help your doctors determine the best course of treatment. The most common types of appendix cancer are:

  • Neuroendocrine tumors. By far the most common type, neuroendocrine tumors account for about half of all appendix cancers. These tumors begin in the hormone-producing cells of the appendix and are only mildly malignant (less harmful).
  • Mucinous tumors. These tumors, which begin in the lining of the appendix, can range from low-grade (less harmful) to high-grade (more harmful). They produce a jelly-like substance called mucin that can build up in the abdomen leading to a larger-than-usual belly and feeling bloated.
  • Adenocarcinoma. This type is aggressive and highly malignant. It is most commonly diagnosed following surgery to remove the appendix because of misdiagnosed appendicitis.
  • Goblet cell cancer carcinoma. This type is a mix of neuroendocrine cancer and adenocarcinoma. These cancers are moderately aggressive and often require the same treatment as adenocarcinoma.

Can a Colonoscopy Detect Appendix Cancer?

Colonoscopy is a highly effective screening exam for the detection of colorectal cancer and precancerous colon polyps. It does not, however, aid in the detection of appendix cancer. Almost all types of appendix cancers are diagnosed incidentally, meaning as a result of tests or procedures to check for and treat other diseases.