APPENDICITIS & CANCER

FAQS

What is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis means inflammation and infection of the appendix.
It is a medical emergency because if untreated, the appendix can burst (rupture) and cause serious infection inside the abdomen.

Why does Appendicitis happen?

It usually happens when the appendix opening gets blocked by:

• Stool (hard fecal matter)

• Swelling of lymph tissue

• Infection

• Rarely a tumor

When blocked, bacteria grow inside → swelling → pus → rupture risk.

What are the Symptoms of Appendicitis?

Common signs include:

• Pain starting near the navel, then shifting to right lower abdomen

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fever

• Pain while walking or coughing

• Constipation or loose motion

Pain usually increases over time.

How is Appendicitis Diagnosed?

Doctors use:

• Physical examination (pressing abdomen)

• Blood tests (infection signs)

• Ultrasound or CT Scan

• Urine test to rule out other causes

What is the Treatment for Appendicitis?

Surgery is the main treatment.

Types of Surgery:

1. Laparoscopic Appendectomy (Keyhole)

   • Small cuts

   • Faster recovery

   • Less pain

2. Open Appendectomy

   • Larger cut

   • Done if appendix has burst or infection is severe

Antibiotics are also given.

What Happens if Untreated?

• Appendix may burst

• Pus spreads in abdomen (Peritonitis)

• Life-threatening infection

• Longer hospital stay

Early surgery gives excellent recovery.

PART 2 – APPENDIX CANCER

What is Appendix Cancer?

Appendix cancer is a rare tumor that develops in the appendix.
It is much less common than appendicitis.

Many times it is found accidentally after appendix removal for suspected appendicitis.

Types of Appendix Cancer

Common types include:

• Carcinoid / Neuroendocrine Tumor – most common, usually slow growing

• Mucinous Tumor – produces jelly-like mucus

• Adenocarcinoma – more aggressive

• Goblet Cell Tumor – mixed type

What are the Symptoms of Appendix Cancer?

Often no symptoms in early stage.
Possible signs:

• Persistent abdominal pain

• Abdominal swelling

• Change in bowel habits

• Weight loss

• Lump in abdomen

• Mucus in abdomen (in mucinous tumors)

How is Appendix Cancer Diagnosed?

• CT Scan / MRI

• Colonoscopy

• Biopsy

• Often diagnosed after surgery

What is the Treatment for Appendix Cancer?

Treatment depends on tumor type and size.

1. Appendectomy Only

• Small carcinoid tumors

• Early stage disease

2. Right Hemicolectomy

• Removal of appendix + part of colon + lymph nodes

• Done for larger or aggressive tumors

3. Cytoreductive Surgery + HIPEC

• For mucinous tumors spread in abdomen

• Heated chemotherapy inside abdomen

Is Appendix Cancer Curable?

• Yes, if detected early.

• Slow-growing tumors have very good survival.

• Advanced tumors need complex treatment.

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SIMPLE TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

Appendicitis is a sudden infection of the appendix that needs urgent surgery and usually heals completely.
Appendix cancer is rare, often silent, and may be discovered by chance. Early detection and proper surgery give the best outcomes.