The appendix is a pouch-like tube that is attached to the cecum, which is the first section of the large intestine or colon. The appendix averages 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) in length. It is considered part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Generally thought to have no significant function in the body, the appendix may be a part of the lymphatic, exocrine, or endocrine systems.

Types of appendix tumors

There are different types of tumors that can start in the appendix:

Neuroendocrine tumor. A neuroendocrine tumor starts in the hormone-producing cells that are normally present in small amounts in almost every organ in the body. This may also be called a carcinoid tumor. A neuroendocrine tumor usually starts in either the GI tract or lungs, but it also may occur in the pancreas, testicles, or ovaries. An appendix neuroendocrine tumor most often occurs at the tip of the appendix. Approximately 50% of all appendix tumors are neuroendocrine tumors. Appendix cancer usually causes no symptoms until it has spread to other organs and often goes unnoticed until it is found during an examination or procedure performed for another reason. An appendix neuroendocrine tumor that remains confined to the area where it started has a high chance of successful treatment with surgery. Learn more about neuroendocrine tumors of the GI tract.

Appendiceal mucoceles. Mucoceles are swellings or sacs from swelling of the appendix wall, typically filled with mucous. There is a range of benign to malignant conditions that can occur in the appendix to form a mucocele. Two of these conditions are mucinous cystadenomas and mucinous cystadenocarcinomas. Mucinous cystadenomas are benign and do not spread and they are similar to adenomatous polyps that can develop in the colon. When contained in the appendix, they can be completely removed with surgery. However, if the appendix ruptures, the cells may spread in the body cavity and continue to secrete jelly-like substance called mucin in the abdomen. The build-up of mucin can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel function including bowel obstruction (blockage). Mucinous cystadenocarcinomas can have similar effects with mucin in the abdomen, but they are malignant, meaning they can spread to other parts of the body.

Colonic-type adenocarcinoma. Colonic-type adenocarcinoma accounts for about 10% of appendix tumors and usually occurs at the base of the appendix. Appendix cancer looks and behaves like the most common type of colorectal cancer. It often goes unnoticed, and a diagnosis is frequently made during or after surgery for appendicitis. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix that can cause abdominal pain or swelling, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, inability to pass gas, or a low fever that begins after other symptoms.

Signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma. Signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma is rare and considered to be more aggressive and more difficult to treat than other types of adenocarcinomas. It is called signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma because, under the microscope, the cell looks like it has a signet ring inside it.  This type of appendix cancer is also treated similar to colon cancer.

Goblet cell carcinomas/Adenoneuroendocrines. Goblet cell carcinomas have features of both adenocarcinomas and neuroendocrine tumors. They are more aggressive than neuroendocrine tumors, and treatment is often similar to treatment for adenocarcinoma.

Paraganglioma. This is a rare tumor that develops from cells of the paraganglia, a collection of cells that come from nerve tissue that persist in small deposits after fetal (pre-birth) development. Paraganglia is often found near the adrenal glands and some blood vessels and nerves including in the head and neck region of the body. This type of tumor is usually considered benign and is often successfully treated with the complete surgical removal of the tumor. Learn more about paraganglioma.

Conclusion

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