Tumors of the Appendix

Appendix tumors are growths found in or around the appendix. Dr. Talbert often sees them after the appendix shows up on a CT scan, during surgery for what looked like appendicitis, or after pathology comes back with something unexpected. The word tumor does not tell the whole story. The type, size, location, and pathology are what guide the next conversation.

Sometimes they are. Sometimes they are not. Dr. Talbert is careful with this because appendix tumor is only the starting point. He wants to see the pathology report, the size, whether it was near the tip or base of the appendix, and whether imaging shows anything outside the appendix before talking about cancer or the operation that may be needed.

Dr. Talbert does not treat every appendix tumor the same way. Sometimes removing the appendix is enough. Sometimes the tumor’s size, location, or pathology means part of the colon has to be discussed too. A tumor near the tip of the appendix and one near the base are not always the same operation.