Appendix Cancer

When you come to Winship Cancer Institute for appendix cancer treatment, you have a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to your well-being. To request an appointment, call (404) 778-0032.

As a patient with appendix cancer, your best long-term outcome will be achieved with a comprehensive, coordinated approach that incorporates all available therapies.

Your Winship care team draws on Emory’s vast resources in surgical oncology, radiation therapy and medical oncology, to provide the newest, most effective practices and treatments. Our multidisciplinary care teams include oncology surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists and advanced practice nurses with expertise in appendiceal cancer.

As specialists, our teams develop groundbreaking surgeries and treatments that produce better outcomes and are adopted by other leading cancer centers.

The benefits of our multidisciplinary and highly experienced teams include:

  • Access to doctors and surgeons who rank among the top experts in the world.
  • Weekly review of patient cases by the full team of experts.
  • Coordinated scheduling for appointments among various specialties.
  • Access to support services and programs for you and your caregivers.
  • Availability of new treatment options within our clinical trials program.

After always being fit, Liz was shocked to learn that her distended belly was caused by appendiceal cancer that had already spread. Today, the attorney and mother of two is cancer-free and credits Winship for giving her “a second chance at life.”

Request an Appointment

If you have been diagnosed with appendiceal cancer, we are ready to help you. Call us at (404) 778-0032 to make an appointment. Winship experts are available for a second opinion.

We understand that this is a very stressful time. We welcome your questions and requests for help. Learn what to expect on your first visit.

Early stage appendix cancer does not have any symptoms and the disease is often found during abdominal surgery for another condition. A biopsy is done to confirm the diagnosis.

A blood and urine test and imaging tests may be performed to determine if the disease has spread.

Your individualized treatment plan will take into account the stage of your disease, your overall health, the side effects of the treatment, and relieving symptoms.

Your care team will discuss treatment options with you and it is important to take time and consider all possible choices. It is also important to know that your chances for having the best possible outcome are highest in the hands of a medical team that is experienced in treating appendix cancer.

For carcinoid tumors:

Surgery is the main treatment method for appendix cancer. An operation may be done to remove the appendix, right colon and surrounding lymph nodes. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery to maximize the treatment.

For non-carcinoid tumors:

In these types of tumors, the cancer has spread or metastasized within the abdomen. Several different methods may be used during treatment.

Cytoreductive surgery: the tumor is surgically removed along with parts of the intestine, gallbladder, lining of the abdomen and for women, the ovaries and uterus are also removed.

Heated intraperitoneal chemoperfusion or HIPEC may be used to treat advanced cancers involving the lining of the abdominal cavity such as appendiceal cancer. HIPEC is a chemotherapy procedure designed to kill any remaining cancer cells once all visible signs of the disease are removed surgically.

The HIPEC procedure follows surgical removal of the tumor and is used in the treatment of pseudomyxoma peritoneal, a condition caused by mucinous adenocarcinoma, or cancerous cells that produce abundant mucin.

Winship surgical oncologist Charles Staley, MD describes the HIPEC procedure.

For adenocarcinoid tumors:

Treatment may include surgery to remove the right part of the colon, cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC, and chemotherapy before surgery.

Winship’s most promising research in treating appendix cancer is in personalized medicine and targeted therapies. In personalized medicine, researchers identify unique characteristics of tumors that make them vulnerable to known drugs so therapy can be tailored to an individual’s cancer. In targeted therapies, investigators look for new drugs that more selectively target cancer cells with fewer side effects.

Supportive Oncology Care

In addition to delivering the highest quality medical care, we recognize the importance of the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a cancer diagnosis and of dealing with treatment. Our supportive oncology team addresses these issues in a timely manner with additional support from counselors, nurse navigators, dietitians and social service professionals.

Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship. Through these trials, you may have access to treatments that are not widely available.

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Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C

  • Social Worker
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                                 Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C
Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C

Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C

Vaidehi Avadhani MD

  • Pathologist
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                                 Vaidehi Avadhani MD
Vaidehi Avadhani MD

Vaidehi Avadhani MD

  • Dr. Avadhani's clinical focus is centered around all aspects of gastrointestinal histopathology including diagnosis of complex appendiceal, colon, stomach and pancreatic cancers.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Wendy Baer MD

  • Psychiatric Oncologist
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                                 Wendy Baer MD
Wendy Baer MD

Wendy Baer MD

Anna Bausum ND

  • Integrative Oncology Specialist
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                                 Anna Bausum ND
Anna Bausum ND

Anna Bausum ND

  • Dr. Bausum supports patients with cancer by incorporating a variety of integrative medicine tools alongside patients' conventional oncology care regimens.
  • Integrative Oncology Specialist, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0600

Whitney Bond RD, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Whitney Bond RD, LD
Whitney Bond RD, LD

Whitney Bond RD, LD

  • Ms. Bond offers personalized nutrition advice to optimize health throughout the stages of cancer, from diagnosis to survivorship.
  • Registered Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Laura Brachman MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Laura Brachman MD
Laura Brachman MD

Laura Brachman MD

  • Dr. Brachman provides patients with cancer with relief from their symptoms and helps improve their quality of life throughout their journey.
  • Assistant Medical Director, Outpatient Palliative and Supportive Care, Emory Healthcare
  • (404) 778-6448

Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD
Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD

Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD

  • A Registered Dietitian, Ms. Buckley provides cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Winship Cancer Institute with personalized nutrition advice.
  • Clinical Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0296

Seth J. Concors MD

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Seth J. Concors MD
Seth J. Concors MD

Seth J. Concors MD

  • Dr. Concors' primary clinical focus is gastrointestinal surgical oncology, particularly hepatobiliary and peritoneal surface malignancies.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-3811

Kimberly A. Curseen MD

  • Supportive Oncologist
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                                 Kimberly A. Curseen MD
Kimberly A. Curseen MD

Kimberly A. Curseen MD

  • Board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Dr. Curseen is the primary provider for the Supportive Oncology Clinic at Winship.
  • Director, Palliative Medicine Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-6448

Sunil W. Dutta MD

  • Radiation Oncologist
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                                 Sunil W. Dutta MD
Sunil W. Dutta MD

Sunil W. Dutta MD

Frank Eady LMSW

  • Social Worker
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                                 Frank Eady LMSW
Frank Eady LMSW

Frank Eady LMSW

Adrien Edoo MTS

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Adrien Edoo MTS
Adrien Edoo MTS

Adrien Edoo MTS

  • Adrien provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers.
  • Spiritual Health Clinician and Fellow, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
  • (404) 991-8429

Raul S. Gonzalez MD

  • Pathologist
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                                 Raul S. Gonzalez MD
Raul S. Gonzalez MD

Raul S. Gonzalez MD

  • Dr. Gonzalez specializes in gastrointestinal pathology.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 712-5227

Lisha Sheng Ho MPAS, PA-C

  • Physician Assistant
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                                 Lisha Sheng Ho MPAS, PA-C
Lisha Sheng Ho MPAS, PA-C

Lisha Sheng Ho MPAS, PA-C

  • Ms. Ho specializes in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
  • Physician Assistant, Surgical Oncology/Colorectal Surgery, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
  • (404) 778-3307

Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD
Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

Rizza Hohenstern MPS, CSD

Sandra Karem LCSW

  • Social Services
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                                 Sandra Karem LCSW
Sandra Karem LCSW

Sandra Karem LCSW

Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN
Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN

Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN

Ashish Khanna MD

  • Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist
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                                 Ashish Khanna MD
Ashish Khanna MD

Ashish Khanna MD

  • Dr. Khanna focuses on the identification and treatment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and other issues resulting from cancer and related treatments.
  • Director of Cancer Rehabilitation, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Susan K. Kunihiro MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Susan K. Kunihiro MD
Susan K. Kunihiro MD

Susan K. Kunihiro MD

  • Dr. Kunihiro works to improve quality of life for patients with cancer, no matter the stage of illness - from initial diagnosis, during treatment, in remission or closer to end of life.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Rupeng Li MD, PhD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Rupeng Li MD, PhD
Rupeng Li MD, PhD

Rupeng Li MD, PhD

  • Dr. Li works with care teams at Winship to treat chronic pain symptoms in patients with cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Meredith Maxwell MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Meredith Maxwell MD
Meredith Maxwell MD

Meredith Maxwell MD

  • Dr. Maxwell collaborates with the multidisciplinary care team at Winship to help patients address symptoms and improve their quality of life during their journey with cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Kendelle Miller MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW

  • Social Worker
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                                 Kendelle Miller MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW
Kendelle Miller MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW

Kendelle Miller MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW

Sonal Oza MD

  • Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist
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                                 Sonal Oza MD
Sonal Oza MD

Sonal Oza MD

  • Dr. Oza is a board-certified physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) with fellowship training in cancer rehabilitation medicine.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv
Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv

  • Dr. Peacock leads the Winship Spiritual Health Team in the work of offering compassionate, inclusive, supportive, evidence based care to patients, families and staff.
  • Director of Spiritual Health, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-8029

M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD
M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD

  • A cancer pain management expert, Dr. Qadri collaborates with oncologists at Winship to treat patients with cancer suffering from chronic pain symptoms.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Margaret A. Riso MD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Margaret A. Riso MD
Margaret A. Riso MD

Margaret A. Riso MD

Missy Roberts MDiv

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Missy Roberts MDiv
Missy Roberts MDiv

Missy Roberts MDiv

  • Missy provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers.
  • Spiritual Health Clinician and Fellow, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Soumon Rudra MD

  • Radiation Oncologist
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                                 Soumon Rudra MD
Soumon Rudra MD

Soumon Rudra MD

Maria C. Russell MD

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Maria C. Russell MD
Maria C. Russell MD

Maria C. Russell MD

  • A surgical expert in the care of complex gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary malignancies, Dr. Russell as Chief Quality Officer collaborates with Winship leadership on tracking and improving patient services and satisfaction as well as focusing on cancer outcomes.
  • Chief Quality Officer, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 686-1001

Vinita Singh MD, MS

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Vinita Singh MD, MS
Vinita Singh MD, MS

Vinita Singh MD, MS

  • Dr. Singh collaborates with oncologists to provide state-of-the-art therapies to cancer patients suffering from pain symptoms.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Jesse A. Soodalter MD

  • Palliative Care Specialist
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                                 Jesse A. Soodalter MD
Jesse A. Soodalter MD

Jesse A. Soodalter MD

  • A palliative care specialist, Dr. Soodalter provides specialized outpatient medical care with a focus on relief from the symptoms and stress of cancer and other illnesses.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448

Charles A. Staley MD

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Charles A. Staley MD
Charles A. Staley MD

Charles A. Staley MD

  • A leading expert in the care of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies, Dr. Staley leads the surgical oncology team at Winship.
  • Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0210

Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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                                 Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD
Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD

Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD

Karin Van Vlack

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Karin Van Vlack
Karin Van Vlack

Karin Van Vlack

Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

  • Spiritual Health Provider
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                                 Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC
Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC

  • Raymond provides administrative leadership to the Winship Spiritual Health Team, supporting and assisting in their work of compassionate and inclusive care of patients, staff, and their loved ones.
  • Process Improvement Specialist III, Senior Spiritual Health Clinician, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Joshua H. Winer MD

  • Surgical Oncologist
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                                 Joshua H. Winer MD
Joshua H. Winer MD

Joshua H. Winer MD

  • Dr. Winer's specialties include HIPEC, laparoscopic and robotic pancreas, liver, and gastric resections, and minimally invasive colon surgery.
  • Associate Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-3307

Melissa Woodstock FNP-C, MSN

  • Nurse Practitioner
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                                 Melissa Woodstock FNP-C, MSN
Melissa Woodstock FNP-C, MSN

Melissa Woodstock FNP-C, MSN

  • Ms. Woodstock is a nurse practitioner serving the inpatient population with gastrointestinal cancers and outpatient population in medical oncology at Winship.
  • Family Nurse Practitioner, Department of Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Nan Xiang MD

  • Pain Management Specialist
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                                 Nan Xiang MD
Nan Xiang MD

Nan Xiang MD

  • Dr. Xiang specializes in managing chronic pain symptoms for patients with cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 686-2410

Ali J. Zarrabi MD

  • Palliative Oncologist
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                                 Ali J. Zarrabi MD
Ali J. Zarrabi MD

Ali J. Zarrabi MD

  • Dr. Zarrabi provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care for patients living with serious illness.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-6448
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