What causes appendix cancer?

Appendix cancer occurs when cells in the appendix become abnormal and multiply. They form a tumor, which may spread to other organs. There are no known causes of this abnormal development of cells. Traditional causes such as unhealthy behavior and genetics do not apply to appendix cancer. read more

Less often, the cancer may start in your bowel, ovary or bladder. The polyp typically causes no symptoms in the early stages but continues to grow until it bursts through your appendix wall and into your abdominal cavity. At this point additional tumors may develop in your abdomen, which secrete a jelly-like fluid called mucin. read more

PMP is considered a rare form of cancer that typically starts in your appendix. It's estimated to affect about two people per million, and it’s unknown what causes it. read more