Appendix cancer or appendiceal cancer is a malignancy of the vermiform appendix, accounting for about 1 in 200 of all gastrointestinal malignancies.
Presentation
This is a very rare condition and can vary in type. The most common pathologies are carcinoid tumors or adenocarcinoma.
Appendiceal tumors often present with peritoneal seeding, resulting in peritoneal carcinomatosis or Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).
Notable cases
Audrey Hepburn was a notable victim of appendix cancer, dying of the disease in 1993.
Treatment
In most cases the tumor has spread outside of the appendiceal tissue. Treatment includes CRS or cytoreductive surgery which includes the removal of visible tumor and affected essential organs within the abdomen and pelvis. The peritoneal cavity is infused with heated chemotherapy known as HIPEC in an attempt to eradicate residual disease. The surgery may or may not be preceded or followed with intravenous chemotherapy.
In 1998, patients and family caregivers in the US, UK and Holland, realized the need to exchange resources about medical options, clinical trials, research, preparation and recuperation from surgery, assistance with health insurance, etc.
This need for personal interaction among patients was not being met via internet message boards and forums, thus appendiceal cancer patients created the PMP Pals' Network, providing opportunities for the personal and direct exchange of resources.
During the past decade, the PMP Pals' Network of volunteers has expanded to include 45 countries and assist patients in 12 languages.
