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Tumors that occur in the appendix comprise a large group of both benign and malignant diseases. Appendix cancer is extremely rare, affecting an estimated 600 to 1,000 Americans each year. Most patients are diagnosed after undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis or when an abdominal mass is seen during a CT scan for an unrelated condition.
Tumor size is directly related to prognosis (outlook). Appendix tumors less than 2 centimeters have a low tendency to spread and generally have an excellent five-year survival rate, while tumors larger than 2.5 centimeters may require more aggressive treatment and have a lower survival rate.
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