Appendix Cancer Surgery

Often the main form of treatment for appendix cancer, surgery may be performed to remove as much of a tumor as possible, along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue for further testing. Because appendiceal cancer tends to grow very slowly, surgical treatment can be effective for removing the majority of cancerous cells from a patient’s body. In fact, in many cases, no further treatment is necessary.

Some types of appendix cancer surgery include:

• Appendectomy – Removal of the entire appendix
• Hemicolectomy – Removal of the appendix, a portion of the large intestine next to the appendix and possibly some nearby blood vessels and lymph nodes
• Debulking surgery – Removal of as much tumor “bulk” as possible; sometimes followed by chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells
• Peritonectomy – Removal of the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum)
• Hyperthermic (heated) intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) – A surgical approach that can be used to treat tumors that have spread inside the abdominal cavity – known as peritoneal disease 

In the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center, a multispecialty team of experts evaluates many unique factors, such as a patient’s age and overall health, before recommending a specific type of appendix cancer surgery. In this way, our patients benefit from multiple expert opinions in a single location.

Through ongoing studies, Moffitt’s outstanding research team is continually exploring new and better treatments for appendiceal cancer. Our goal is to make the benefits of these landmark discoveries available to our patients as quickly as possible. To do so, we’ve established a robust clinical trials program that allows Moffitt’s patients to be among the first to access promising new forms of appendix cancer surgery and other treatments. As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Moffitt is widely recognized for its work to advance the treatment of appendiceal cancer and other gastrointestinal tumors.

If you’d like to explore your treatment options for appendix cancer, including surgery, the experts at Moffitt can answer your questions and recommend an individualized treatment plan for you. Call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. Referrals are not required to consult with our expert oncologists.