3 Reasons Appendix Cancer is Hard to Diagnose

Medically Reviewed | Last reviewed by Beth Helmink, M.D., Ph.D., and John Paul Shen, M.D., on April 03, 2026

---

Until about 15 years ago, appendix cancer was often lumped together with colon cancer. That’s because the appendix is technically part of the colon.

Today, though, doctors recognize appendix cancer as its own separate disease, with distinct genetic drivers at the molecular level that differ from those of colorectal cancers.

Even so, appendix cancer can still be difficult to diagnose. Why?

Here are three reasons gastrointestinal medical oncologist John Paul Shen, M.D., and gastrointestinal surgical oncologist Beth Helmink, M.D., Ph.D., shared during a recent episode of UT MD Anderson’s Cancerwise podcast.

Read Full Article