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About Appendix Cancer

The appendix is ​​a 4-inch-long sac attached to the first section of the large intestine. Although it is considered part of the gastrointestinal tract, the appendix is ​​not considered to serve any important function in the body.

In the case of appendix cancer, healthy cells in the appendix begin to grow out of control, forming large cysts or tumors. This form of cancer is very rare, accounting for only about 0.5 percent of all solid tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common type of appendix cancer in patients is known as a neuroendocrine tumor (NET). These make up about half of all appendix cancer diagnoses and are most common in women in their 40s. Neuroendocrine tumors form in cells responsible for hormone production and usually appear after the appendix has been removed.

Causes and risk factors

Appendix cancer is the result of genetic mutations that cause cancer cells in the appendix to multiply uncontrollably, forming cysts and tumors that can spread to other parts of the body. The specific cause of this genetic mutation is unknown. There may be a hereditary element, as a family history of appendix cancer is known to increase the chances of developing this type of cancer.

Smoking is also a possible risk factor. Smokers have a higher risk of developing appendix cancer than non-smokers. Also, certain health conditions can increase the risk of appendix cancer. This mainly comes down to conditions that affect the stomach’s ability to produce digestive acids, including:

• Atrophic gastritis (chronic inflammation of the stomach lining)
• Pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiencies)
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Early detection, diagnosis, and staging

Appendix cancer usually does not present noticeable symptoms until it has progressed to other stages. Symptoms can also vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms of this disease include:

• Appendicitis
• Loss of appetite
• Ovarian masses
• Pain in the lower right area of ​​the abdomen
• Sudden changes in bowel movements
• Swelling
• Indigestion
• Vomiting
• Acid reflux
• Hernias

Doctors can use blood and urine tests to determine the extent of the disease and the effectiveness of treatments. The doctor may also use a wide range of imaging tests, including MRIs, ultrasounds, and CT scans as part of the diagnostic process.

With diagnosis comes staging. The staging process (knowing what stage the cancer is in) is important in developing treatment plans and evaluating your response to treatment. The stage of appendix cancer depends mainly on the size of the tumor and its possible spread to other parts of the body. The stages of appendix cancer are defined as:

• Localized (the tumor is located in the appendix, colon, rectum, small intestine, or large intestine)
• Regional (cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes)
• Metastatic (cancer has spread to other parts of the body)

Carcinomas and carcinoid tumors are classified differently: from stage 0 to stage IV with several subcategories. Generally, this classification is based on whether the primary tumor can be removed by surgery and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

About Alternative / Natural Treatment for Appendix Cancer

Traditional treatments for appendix cancer usually include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or some type of surgery (usually an appendectomy). The effectiveness of cancer treatment with these treatments can vary, but many of the traditional cancer treatments have various side effects that can leave you physically exhausted from an already weakened immune system.

This is where alternative treatments come in.   They offer natural methods to facilitate recovery while mitigating any possible side effects of traditional treatments.

The Immunity Therapy Center offers a wide range of alternative and natural treatments for appendix cancer. Our team is dedicated to developing personalized treatment plans based on your health and cancer progression. Above all, we treat you as a person and want to build a positive relationship through every step of the treatment process. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.

Medically Reviewed by:pdm

noviembre 16, 2019

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At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.