What is appendiceal cancer? ‘Cleaning Lady’ star Adan Canto dead from rare disease

nypost.com:

“The Cleaning Lady,” died Monday following a private battle with appendiceal cancer.Also called appendix cancer, appendiceal cancer is a very rare condition that has become more common in recent years.One study found that the incidence of malignant appendiceal tumors increased by 232% in the US and 292% in Canada between 2000 and 2016.About one in three appendix cancer patients are diagnosed before they turn 51, according to a recent report.

Canto died this week at the age of 42.Because appendix cancer is so rare — only a few thousand Americans are diagnosed each year — the research is not as abundant compared to other cancers.Here’s what we know about this disease.Most humans — but not everyone — have an appendix.

Some people are even born with a double appendix, which is extremely unusual.The function of the appendix — a small pouch located on the lower right part of the belly — has long been the subject of debate.Some researchers say it exists to protect good gut bacteria, playing a key role in immune function, while others say it’s not necessary at all.In fact, some 300,000 appendectomies are performed each year in the US to remove an inflamed, swollen or infected appendix.

Patients go on to have normal lives without it.Most appendiceal tumors are discovered during an appendectomy.Appendix cancer is often confused with colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, which can lead to misdiagnosis.Patients may experience acute pain similar to appendicitis or chronic abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, pelvic discomfort, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, nausea, anemia or infertility.If a person notices those symptoms and is not undergoing an appendectomy, a doctor will use imaging tests.