Appendix Tumor
Rare tumors of the appendix, often found incidentally during appendectomy.
Overview
Appendiceal tumors are rare, found in 0.5-1% of appendectomy specimens. Types include carcinoid (neuroendocrine), mucinous neoplasms, and adenocarcinoma. Management depends on tumor type, size, and margins.
Causes
- Unknown for most
- Genetic predisposition for adenocarcinoma
- Neuroendocrine cell proliferation (carcinoid)
Risk Factors
- No clearly defined modifiable risk factors
- Age 40-60
- Female gender (for mucinous tumors)
Symptoms
Diagnosis
- Histopathology after appendectomy
- CT abdomen
- Tumor markers (CEA, chromogranin A)
- PET-CT (if metastasis suspected)
- Colonoscopy (rule out synchronous colon cancer)
Treatment Options
Surgical Treatment
Small carcinoids (<1cm) with clear margins: appendectomy is curative. Carcinoids >2cm, goblet cell carcinoids, adenocarcinomas, or positive margins: right hemicolectomy with lymphadenectomy. Mucinous neoplasms with peritoneal spread (pseudomyxoma peritonei): cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC at specialized centers.
Recovery
Appendectomy alone: routine recovery (1 week). Right hemicolectomy: 5-7 days hospital stay, 3-4 weeks full recovery. Surveillance depends on tumor type and stage.
Prevention
- No known prevention
- Careful histopathological examination of all appendectomy specimens is essential for early detection
Frequently Asked Questions
I had appendectomy and they found a tumor — do I need more surgery?
What is pseudomyxoma peritonei?
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