Goblet cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a rare type of cancer that arises from the goblet cells that are normally present in the lining of the appendix. The appendix is a small, finger-like pouch that is attached to the large intestine.
Goblet cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a subtype of appendiceal adenocarcinoma, which is itself a rare form of cancer. Goblet cell adenocarcinoma is characterized by the presence of tumour cells that secrete large amounts of mucin, a type of protein that gives mucus its slimy texture. This excess mucus production can cause the appendix to become enlarged and filled with mucus.
The exact cause of goblet cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix is not known, but it is believed to be related to genetic mutations that lead to the uncontrolled growth and division of the goblet cells in the appendix. Symptoms of goblet cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix may include abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, and weight loss.
Diagnosis of goblet cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix typically involves a combination of imaging studies, such as CT or MRI scans, and a biopsy of the tumour tissue.
Because goblet cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a rare form of cancer, there is limited data on the prognosis and long-term outcomes of patients with this disease. However, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment may improve the chances of a favorable outcome.
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My stomach looked really distended
When we got home from a family holiday and I looked at the photos, my stomach looked really distended. After noticing this, it just seemed to get worse and felt quite hard. I went to see the Doctor and he said I probably had wind or had just put on weight.
Why you should see a PMP specialist
I can’t say it enough… are you dealing with a PMP specialist? If not, I would say you must.
They are the ones that have seen this stuff and the weird things it does. They can give better ideas as to what to do.
In my case, waiting seemed the best option at the time but with the specialist’s input, I chose to go ahead and now, even with the debt, the new body norms and everything, I am sooooo glad I followed his advice! He would have told me to watch and wait if in his experience there was a low risk. And I would have done it.
How shall I tell my children that I have appendix cancer?
Looking back, I think we were trying to protect our children from the reality of the disease. Initially, when we discussed my diagnosis, we used terms like death, dying, chemo and cancer. We thought we spun this into a very positive approach, but our “method” may have given our children a confusing and unrealistic message about survival instead.
References
Goblet cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix: Diagnosis, prognosis and nomenclature
Wang HL (2022). Goblet cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix: Diagnosis, prognosis and nomenclature. Journal of Clinical and Translational Pathology. Published September 28, 2022. Retrieved on April 15, 2023, from doi: 10.14218/JCTP.2022.00018
Goblet cell adenocarcinoma
Lollie T, Wang HL. Goblet cell adenocarcinoma. PathologyOutlines.com website. Retrieved on april 15, 2023, from https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/appendixgobletcellcarcinoid.html.
Written by the Pseudomyxoma Survivor editorial team.
Updated: June 2, 2023