The trend alerts researchers. According to a new study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicineappendix cancer is increasing sharply in young adults, especially those born after 1980.
A strong increase in certain types of digestive cancer
Thanks to their study, researchers “noted that the rate of cancer of the appendix according to the age increased “and that” its incidence rate had more than tripled in volunteers born in 1980. And even quadrupled for those born in 1985“Reports the study press release.
In the United States, Millennials today have a risk more than four times that of people born in the 1940s.
If this form of cancer remains rare, with around 3,000 cases per year in the United States, the dynamics are clear. Researchers even speak of a birth cohort effect, each generation being more exposed than the previous one to certain digestive cancers.
Indeed, colon cancers or that of the stomach are now targeted as the youngest, without scientists really understanding the reason. In addition, the appendix cancer, because of its rarity, has been little studied.
“”This is probably not a single factor, but a tangle of environmental, metabolic and genetic causes, which explains this increase “estimates Andreana Holowatyj hematologist-oncologist at Vanderbilt University and the main study of the study, at the New York Times.
A rare disease, but not to neglect
In France too, specialists observe this phenomenon carefully. Dr. Gabriele Barabino, surgeon digestive,, oncological and robotic At the Park Clinic (Elsan Group) in Saint-Etienne, interviewed by True Medical, recalls that this cancer remains uncommon.
“The appendix cancer is relatively rare. There is a case for 100 appendectomies, so a case of cancer for 100 people operated, not a case for 100 French, be careful. This remains fairly low.”
The diagnosis is often fortuitous. “”During an appendicitis operation, the operating part is sent to the Anatomo-Pathology laboratory, which discovers the tumor “ explains the surgeon.
But sometimes cancer is discovered at a more advanced stage. “”The patient then suffers from abdominal pain in the right iliac pit, as for appendicitis, fever, and has irregular transit“He adds.
To make a diagnosis, doctors rely on imaging. “The doctor then prescribes an ultrasound and a scanner. These imaging examinations allow you to see an anomaly or a size, if it is present. They tell us the need or not of a surgical exploration, by celioscopy most of the time”.
Several types of tumors, with very variable risks
Not all cancers of the appendix are alike. Some are not very aggressive, others much more invasive. Dr. Barabino details them precisely:
- Neuroendocrine tumors: “”They have a low risk of evolution“underlines Dr. Barabino;
- Mucoceles, epithelial tumors: “”The appendix cells then produce mucin, which increases its volume. If this “pierces”, there is a risk of development of peritoneum cancer. But it remains marginal among young people“;
- Appendix adenocarcinoma. “”It is generally at the base of the appendix, at the junction with the colon. Again there is a risk of perforation “.
Depending on the type of tumor, treatments differ. “In the event of a fortuitous discovery, the various specialists consult themselves during a multidisciplinary meeting (RCP). During these exchanges, there are oncologists, radiologists and anatomopathologists, who discuss the patient’s monitoring and additional treatments“Specifies Dr. Barabino.
“It will be either a simple surveillance or a greater surgery, more or less associated with chemotherapy, depending on the type and grade of cancer”.
When the tumor is identified before any operation, “Treatment decisions are done on a case -by -case basis: surgery alone, more or less chemotherapy or other protocol“Add the surgeon.
Staying vigilant is essential
Appendix cancer, by its rarity, is difficult to prevent. However, some signs must alert.
“”This is why I always remind you that abdominal pain should never be overlooked. It is important to consult your doctor, especially if she persists in time “ insists the surgeon.
Failing to be able to detect, prevention goes through lifestyle.
“It is true that this type of cancer increases, although it remains rare. A good diet, healthy and balanced, which avoids ultra-transformed products, red meats, as well as avoiding tobacco too, are essential elements to limit its risks and stay healthy” he concludes.