The appendix is often dismissed as a vestigial organ, but when cancer strikes this small part of the digestive tract, the consequences can be life-threatening. While appendix cancer is rare—diagnosed in roughly 3,000 people annually in the U.S.—it is a growing concern, especially among individuals under 50.
“About one-third won’t even know they have anything going on. A third might have a new, very subtle hernia or some abdominal distention,” says Dr. Thomas Miner, Chief of Surgical Oncology at Brown University Health and Brown Surgical Associates.
Dr. Miner recently spoke with Barbara Morse of WJAR Channel 10, highlighting how difficult this cancer is to detect and treat. Despite its aggressive nature, Dr. Miner emphasizes that “even for advanced disease, there’s still hope.”
📺 Watch Dr. Miner’s Full Interview Here »
Advanced Care Close to Home: Brown Surgical Associates Leads the Way
Brown Surgical Associates is one of the few programs in the region with the expertise and resources to treat advanced appendix cancer. Our oncology team uses a multidisciplinary approach and cutting-edge surgical techniques to provide patients with the best possible outcomes.
One of those patients is Jeremy, who was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP)—a rare form of appendix cancer marked by mucinous tumors spreading throughout the abdomen.
Jeremy’s Journey: Fighting Appendix Cancer with HIPEC
After a PMP diagnosis, Jeremy began chemotherapy. When he asked about surgical options, his oncologist referred him to Dr. Miner—one of the few specialists in the country with expertise in cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy).
This complex procedure involves two steps:
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Cytoreductive Surgery: Removal of all visible cancerous tumors from the abdominal cavity.
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HIPEC: Direct delivery of heated chemotherapy into the abdomen to kill microscopic cancer cells and reduce recurrence.
Thanks to this highly specialized treatment, Jeremy is thriving today—and using his voice to spread awareness.
“Every day is a gift,” Jeremy says. “I’m thankful for the team at Brown Surgical Associates who gave me a second chance.”
Signs, Hope, and the Importance of Expertise
Appendix cancer is often mistaken for less severe conditions in its early stages. Symptoms may include:
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Abdominal bloating or discomfort
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Hernia-like bulges
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Unexplained weight loss
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Digestive issues
If caught early—or referred to a specialized team like Brown Surgical Associates—patients have significantly better outcomes.
Learn More About Appendix Cancer Treatment
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer like Pseudomyxoma Peritonei or appendix cancer, early referral to a surgical oncology specialist can make all the difference.
