3 reasons appendix cancer is hard to diagnose
Until about 15 years ago, appendix cancer was often lumped together with colon cancer. That’s because the appendix is technically part of the colon.
Today, though, doctors recognize appendix cancer as its own separate disease, with distinct genetic drivers at the molecular level that differ from those of colorectal cancers.
Even...
Stage IV appendix cancer survivor: Why I got my HIPEC surgery at MD Anderson
The year I turned 50, my life took an unexpected turn. First, I had to have emergency surgery after a CT scan for severe abdominal pain...
Need an omentectomy? Here’s what to expect
If you need an omentectomy as a part of your cancer treatment, you probably have a lot of questions.
To learn more about who needs...
Teen appendix cancer diagnosis leads family back to MD Anderson
When Angie Levinthal’s husband, Jared was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2012, she was terrified that he might not be there to watch their three daughters grow up.
A decade later, the couple learned that one of their daughters now had an appendiceal neuroendocrine tumor, a type of appendix cancer.
Angie was furious. She couldn’t believe her family had to hear those words again, and she couldn’t bear the idea of 17-year-old...
4 appendix cancer questions, answered
When John Paul Shen, M.D., tells people he studies appendix cancer, many are surprised to learn that you can get appendix cancer in the first...
What is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)?
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an innovative type of cancer treatment. During this procedure, doctors perform a surgery...
Best of Cancerwise 2016: 10 inspiring quotes from our patients and caregivers
When you’re facing cancer, a mantra may help you stay
focused and hopeful. And often, the best mantra for your journey comes from ...
After appendix cancer, celebrating the little things
I recently celebrated my sixth cancerversary with no evidence of appendix cancer. Since my appendix cancer diagnosis, I’ve learned the importance...
Appendix cancer survivor: Take an active role in your treatment
Six years ago, I was diagnosed with appendix cancer, a very rare cancer diagnosed in less than 1,000 people in the U.S. each year.
...
Physician assistant by day, aerial dancer by night
Like millions of other people, physician assistant Aki Ohinata gets bored with exercise. But instead of longing for a comfy couch and a bag...