Appendix Cancer Diagnosis
Since appendix cancer often does not have symptoms in the early stages, it frequently is not diagnosed until surgery for another condition, such as acute appendicitis, or during tests for another condition.
Sometimes appendix cancer is found as part of the routine procedure after abdominal surgery for another condition. If your doctor finds what might be appendix cancer during abdominal surgery, a biopsy will be performed.
Appendix Cancer Diagnosis
If you have symptoms that may signal appendix cancer, your doctor will examine you and ask you questions about your health; your lifestyle, including smoking and drinking habits; and your family medical history.
One or more of the following tests may be used to find out if you have appendix cancer and if it has spread. These tests also may be used to find out if treatment is working.
Blood and urine tests
Imaging tests, which may include:
- CT or CAT (computed axial tomography) scans
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans
- PET (positron emission tomography) scans
Getting a Second Opinion at MD Anderson
The pathologists at MD Anderson are highly specialized and experienced in diagnosing and staging appendix cancers. We welcome the opportunity to provide second opinions.
If you would like to get a second opinion at MD Anderson, call 1-877-MDA-6789 to make an appointment or request an appointment online.
Why Choose MD Anderson?
- Highly skilled surgeons perform the most-advanced procedures to treat appendix cancer
- Specialized appendix cancer chemotherapy options, including hyperthermic intraperitoneal (HIPEC) chemotherapy
- More experience with this complex cancer than most oncologists
- Clinical trials of new therapies for appendix cancer
Appendix Cancer Knowledge Center
Treatment at MD Anderson
Appendix cancer is treated in our:
Appendix Cancer Staging
If you are diagnosed with appendix cancer, your doctor will determine the stage of the disease. Staging is a way of classifying cancer by how much disease is in the body and where it has spread when it is diagnosed. This helps the doctor plan the best way to treat the cancer. Once the staging classification is determined, it stays the same even if treatment is successful or the cancer spreads.
Appendix Cancer Stages
(source: National Cancer Institute)
Localized: Cancer is found in the appendix, colon, rectum, small intestine and/or stomach only.
Regional: Cancer has spread from the appendix, colon, rectum, stomach and/or small intestine to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
Metastatic: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body.