Appendix Cancer Symptoms

Appendix cancer usually does not cause symptoms until it is in an advanced stage and has spread to other parts of the body. When symptoms of appendix cancer are present, they vary from person to person and may include:

• Acute appendicitis: Most cases of appendix cancer are discovered during surgery for appendicitis
• Increase in abdomen size/girth, bloating
• Vague abdominal discomfort in the lower right abdomen
• Pelvic discomfort
• New hernias
• Bowel obstruction
• Changes in bowel habits
• Ovarian masses
• Acute or chronic abdominal pain

The above symptoms do not always mean you have appendix cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, since they may signal other health problems.

If appendix cancer spreads to the liver, you may develop a group of symptoms called carcinoid syndrome. Symptoms of carcinoid syndrome are often vague, and they are not necessarily present at all times. As such, you may be incorrectly diagnosed with another, more common disease at first. Symptoms may be brought on or made worse by certain foods, activities or medical procedures. They include:

• Flushing (redness or feeling of warmth in face and neck)
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Diarrhea
• Heart valve disease on the right side
• Pain or feeling for fullness in abdomen

These symptoms do not always mean you have appendix cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, since they may signal other health problems.