What it the prognosis for Appendix Cancer patients?

What are the long term survival rates for Appendix Cancer patients?

What is the prognosis for patients diagnosed with appendiceal cancer?




The prognosis for patients diagnosed with appendix carcinoid tumors is generally very good with early detection and appropriate medical treatment.

Appendix carcinoid tumors, located at the tip of the appendix, of less than two centimeters, generally have a low risk of spreading to the lymph nodes.

Many factors contribute to the prognosis and long term survival rates. These factors may include pathology, staging at the time of diagnosis, overall health of the patient at the time of the diagnosis, age at the time of diagnosis,  access to specialized care, etc.

In general, prognosis and long term survival have improved during the past decade, with earlier detection,
enhanced education of healthcare providers, including radiologists and pathologists,
followed by referrals to appendix cancer treatment specialists and improved methods of treatment.

Long term survival may increase with early and accurate diagnosis, overall health of the patient at the time of diagnosis, the actual pathology/diagnosis itself, and appropriate treatment provided by a specialist.

Patients are reminded not to accept the original dismal prognosis that may initially be offered by a non specialist.

Each case is unique and each patient is an individual. Published statistics do not reflect the unique case of a newly diagnosed patient, whose options for long term survival are continually improving through modern medical treatment.

Medical journal articles featuring appendix cancer prognosis and long term survival rates:

CRS and HIPEC offer longterm survival rates for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis of disseminated Appendiceal tumor origin
Source: Dr Armando Sardi, Mercy Med Center, Journal of American College of Surgeons, Sept 2009

Epithelial appendiceal neoplasms: report reviews 900 cases treated at the Washington Hospital Center
Source: Dr Paul H Sugarbaker, Cancer Journal, May 2009

Diverticulosis patients with Appendix Cancer prognosis
Source: Journal of Surgical Pathology, 2009

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei and Appendix Cancer Prognosis following serial debulking
Source: University Central Hospital Helsinki, Finland, June 2009

Prognosis following Chemo Hyperthermic Profusion
Source: Fukai School of Medicine, Japan, April 2009
Appendix Cancer Prognosis for VEGF expression patients with Mucinous Adenocarcinoma 

Appendix Cancer Prognosis and Survival Rates
Source: Dr Paul Sugarbaker, Washington Hospital Center

Prognostic indicators for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis originating with gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma
Source: Dr Paul Sugarbaker, 2005

Appendix cancer prognosis and survival rates following surgery and IP
Source: Mayo Clinic

I Was Cured of Appendix Cancer 13 Years Ago!
By PMP Pal Member, Bud


I was diagnosed with Mucinous Adenocarcinoma in January 1999 and was referred to a medical oncologist. At that time, few oncologists were familiar with appendiceal cancers. The local oncologist pronounced what sounded like a death sentence to my wife, Ginny, and me.  He advised us to “take the trips you have on your bucket list, you have between six months and two years to live.”






This “sentence” resulted in our search for more information about the disease and treatment alternatives.  Our search included joining the PMP Pals’ Network and consulting with five medical professionals which led to the successful CRS W/HIPEC surgery, performed by Dr Paul Sugarbaker. I was 64 years old at the time of my surgery.
Major organs, among them my stomach, spleen, and a portion of large bowel, as well as others were removed followed by HIPEC treatment.

My post op convalescence was delayed while my wife and I found the combinations of food acceptable to my shortened digestive system. Today, I can eat anything I choose.
To hasten recovery from surgery, I set goals at the hospital each evening for what I wanted to accomplish the next day. These goals included getting out of bed to shave, increasing the number of walks down the hospital corridors, etc.

I credit family support, a positive attitude, my faith in God, and Dr. Sugarbaker’s skill and knowledge for my 13+ disease free years.

For the 13 years following my surgery, I have enjoyed a good quality of life. My wife and I have travelled extensively to all seven continents and enjoy spending time with our children and grandchildren.

Editor’s note: Bud and Ginny have been married 50+ years and will celebrate another wedding anniversary this month!

Bud and Ginny are active members of the PMP Pals’ Network and serve as Pal Mentors to other couples preparing and recuperating from surgery!


Articles posted in PMP Pals, on the PMP Pals’ Network Blog are written from the perspective of patients and their family caregivers, and are not intended to substitute for licensed, professional legal or medical assistance. Patients should seek the guidance of their licensed healthcare professionals. Copyright © 2012 by PMP Pals’ Network/All rights reserved. Derechos de PMP Pals' Network © 2012. Todos los derechos reservados.

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Survivor Celebrates 10+Years Cancer Free!

Today, our Pal member, Rene, shares her good news PMP cancer survivor story…

“I was diagnosed in the spring of 2001, at the age of 59, with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.


I was told that there was no cure by a local doctor. My niece searched the internet and found out about Gabriella and the PMP Pals’ Network. They helped me to send my records to the National Institute of Health/National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

 I was accepted in a clinical trial and my surgery was scheduled for Sept. 10, 2001. My surgeon was Dr. James Pinkpank.

During surgery I was administered hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion (HIPEC) with cisplatin. I was discharged from the hospital two weeks later. I returned home and was out walking three days later. I had a wonderful recovery!

Until this diagnosis in 2001, I considered myself to be a healthy woman. I was employed, as I am now,   and have been a walked for exercise. I gave up smoking ten years prior to my diagnosis did not have a great diet at the time of my diagnosis and still don't!

 I have six siblings and was the first of the seven of us to develop cancer. At the time of my diagnosis my mother was 86 years old and stayed at the hospital to take care of me, with me and my husband for two weeks. Our three sons visited my two sisters and my niece, visited often during my hospitalization. hospitalized.

 I was discharged from the clinical trial in November 2008. Every year I have my CEA levels are tested and are normal. I have just celebrated my 11th year of being cancer free!

I owe my recovery first to my strong faith and, my niece Karen who researched PMP for me when I was initially diagnosed, Gabriella, and the PMP Pals’ Network, and my whole family!

Editor’s note:

After Rene had been cancer free for a decade, her husband was diagnosed with a different rare cancer, and Rene became caregiver to him during his treatment and recuperation.

Dr James Pingpank now treats Pseudomyxoma Peritonei and all PSM patients at the UPMC in Pgh PA.



Articles posted in PMP Pals and on www.pmppals.org are written from the perspectives of patients and their families and are not intended to substitute for licensed, professional legal or medical advice. Each patient is unique and should seek specific counsel from their own licensed healthcare professional. Copyright © 2012 by PMP Pals’ Network. All rights reserved. Todos derechos reservados.

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