The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the first part of the large intestine. It does not play a major role in digestion. The appendix is most often removed because of appendicitis, but it is also examined when a tumor or other change is found. When the appendix is removed, a pathologist examines it under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the appendix. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Select any article below to learn more.
Cancers of the appendix
These diagnoses are tumors of the appendix that are cancerous or have the potential to behave like cancer. They are uncommon and are often found by chance after the appendix is removed. The articles explain how each type is diagnosed and what your pathology report describes.
Goblet cell adenocarcinoma is an uncommon type of appendix cancer that has features of both gland-forming and hormone-producing cells. This article explains how it is diagnosed and what your report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions goblet cell adenocarcinoma, sometimes called goblet cell carcinoid.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma is a type of appendix cancer in which the cancer cells produce a large amount of mucus. This article explains how it is diagnosed and what your report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix.
Well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor
A well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor is a slow-growing tumor that develops from hormone-producing cells in the appendix. It is often found by chance after the appendix is removed. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor or a carcinoid tumor of the appendix.
Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma
Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma is a fast-growing cancer that develops from hormone-producing cells in the appendix. This article explains how it is diagnosed and what your report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the appendix.
Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasm
A mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasm is a cancer made of two parts: a neuroendocrine (hormone-producing) part and another type of cancer such as adenocarcinoma. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasm or MINEN.
Mucinous neoplasms
These diagnoses are tumors of the appendix made of cells that produce mucus. They are not invasive cancer, but they can spread within the abdomen, so careful follow-up is important. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
Low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm
A low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, or LAMN, is a slow-growing mucus-producing tumor of the appendix. It is not invasive cancer, but it can spread within the abdomen. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm or LAMN.
High grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm
A high grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, or HAMN, is a mucus-producing tumor of the appendix with more abnormal-looking cells than the low grade type. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a high grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm or HAMN.
Inflammatory conditions
This diagnosis describes inflammation of the appendix. It is not cancer. The article explains what this diagnosis means and what a pathologist looks for.
Acute appendicitis is sudden inflammation of the appendix, usually caused by a blockage. It is the most common reason the appendix is removed. This article explains what a pathologist sees in acute appendicitis.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions acute appendicitis after your appendix was removed.
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