Learning | TREATMENT Options
There is an abundance of excellent medical information about treatments for appendix cancer/PMP on the Internet. We have compiled a list of treatment options your physician may mention.
Remember, your treatment will depend on what your diagnostic tests show – the “histology” of your cancer (i.e., what the microscopic structure of the cells shows about where your cancer originated), where your tumors are located, how large your tumors and mucin accumulations are – as well as factors like your overall health and history of previous surgeries. Understanding your specific diagnosis and having a complete copy of your medical records will help in your search.
As you read about treatment, you will encounter a focus on finding the right surgeon and hospital center. This is because surgery, with or without HIPEC, is the most common treatment for appendix cancer/PMP. We recognize that surgery is not the right treatment for everyone. Many instead will have systemic chemotherapy; some will pursue other treatments. This list is a starting point to help you understand treatments normally used for this kind of cancer.
FIND A SURGEON
If your plan of treatment includes surgery, this global map maintained by PMP Pals shows surgeons who treat appendix cancer/PMP and provides links to their contact information. Many of the surgeons listed have presented for PMP Pals HOPE ZOOM and Conferences. The list is updated regularly.
TREATMENT CENTERS & RESOURCES
Please be aware that not all comprehensive cancer centers specialize in appendix cancer. When you get to the website for a center near you, look for more detailed program information by using search terms like
- Appendix Cancer
- Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, or PMP
- HIPEC
- Peritoneal Surface Malignancies
If the center has a program for appendix cancer, you will likely find a page giving you an overview, including the surgeons who are part of the program. Here are four examples of centers with some of the top surgeons treating appendix cancer and PMP:
University of California at San Diego, Moores Cancer Center
HIPEC and Other Treatments for Peritoneal Surface Malignancies | Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health (ucsd.edu)
Appendix Cancer Treatment San Diego, Moores Cancer Center | UC San Diego Health (ucsd.edu)
Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, Fla.)
Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
Appendix Cancer | Wake Forest Baptist Health (wakehealth.edu)
Huntsman Cancer Institute (Salt Lake City, UT)
National Cancer Institute Cancer Centers
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center Program supports research-oriented facilities across the U.S. known for their scientific research into cancer. These facilities often are affiliated with academic institutions. Use this link to read about these 70+ facilities, including more than 50 that are designated as “Comprehensive Cancer Centers” providing diagnosis and treatment, as well as research. Because of the resources at these large centers, you will find both surgical and medical oncologists. The link below includes easy-to-use geographic information to help find a center closest to you.
Cancer Centers with Appendix Cancer Expertise
There are many excellent specialists who are not affiliated with an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center. How do you find them? Unfortunately, there is no centralized listing by medical organizations or the U.S. government. We suggest you start with our Find a Surgeon map. Internet searches also can help you find the names of leading specialists who have published articles in medical journals, who speak at medical symposia, and who are recognized for their work with appendix cancer treatments. Also, networking with other patients, such as through HOPE ZOOM, can help you learn names. Our HOPE ZOOM video library link has a collection of physician presentations that can introduce you to many world-renowned specialists. Of course, your personal physician may recommend a cancer center with resources and specialists who can provide treatment for you.