Precancer polyp in appendix

Oh wow! Thank you for your information. That was an option for me too.. similar but not as invasive.. but I elected just removal of appendix and polyp. It was done orthiscoptucally and no severe recovery but my abdomen still hurts and feels tight. I have from time to time incontinance too! Usual upon exertion or heavy exercise ( working, vacuuming etc.) so at 83.. I just don’t feel ‘good’ that I’m safe from cancer. My history makes me labeled high risk! So… I still bug the surgeon for answers.. if the different terminology of my surgery (7/14/21) but no reply! Thank you so much!

Hello @bonnieb81

Thanks for the update, I've been thinking about you. I'm glad to hear that the surgery is over now. I can understand that you are concerned about the possibility of cancer and reoccurrence. Have you considered having a consult with another oncologist who could read the report and give you a second opinion?

I have had a rare form of cancer (carcinoid). This type of cancer is very slow-growing. Between 2003 and 2016, I've had three surgeries for this so, I understand somewhat your concern. I would urge you to get a second opinion and then realize that sometimes there are no pat answers. You have to watch, wait, and follow up as needed.

Do you have a copy of the biopsy report? If the doctor did not give you a copy you might ask for one or look for it on the patient portal. This would be important to have if you seek a second opinion.

I look forward to hearing from you and know how you are doing. Will you post again?

Yes, I’ll follow up, it took me from 11/2018 to 97/14/2021 with 3 opinions, 3 different surgeons.. my old surgeon from 2007-to 2018 had done all my surgeries, polyps precancer lesion.. etc. he just ‘left me’ with saying “ we all will be there someday!!! “ a religious Dr. Builds missions back in Mexico.. even orated with me when I gad I’ve consultation… when I had radioligy repirt 2019, of “ a mass in colon concerning of malignancy” I fell apart crying.. I do not fall apart easily! But he kept procrastinating… another Catscan, another colonoscopy.. even said 2-3X he would do removal of appendix and resection 01/2020 on Christmas Eve..! But nothing then another Catscan!! 92/2021! I gave up hit 2nd opinion from UTSW Oncology (young surgeon from Venezuela, said I’ll do another Catscan and give you peace of mind!!!!! It did not! His report was “NO polyps just ‘history of same!”!!! Then referred me to a Geriantrician Oncoligust who said “ you just gave too much information.. basically “old lady, you are confused!” (My words as translated!) so then I found the 3rd. Dr. At TCRC that merged with the Oncology Dept of ‘first surgeon! Kind abd found the one polyp in appendeceal orifice…. As benign! But the Dr. Explaining my surgery success afterwards was NOT surgeon.. was Hispitalist..saying “ a small mass of tissue was removed and sent to Pathology” I would have report in a week! Not the original words of the operating surgeon.. he was removing “sessille serrated polyp” sending to pathology for ‘instant results) if not cancer then okay… but if cancer a resection!!! So again.. all different terminology. Thank you for your feedback!! I appreciate!

I had so many typos, in last message, I had said my first surgeon spent my whole hour consultation after first Catscan showing radiology report of “ mass in colon concerning of malignancy” actually praying for me!! Then… nothing, just said when I asked him (oh! Some thickening in colon) I later got written report and read it myself! I just don’t understand! I even called radiologist.. he was non-committal and had to hurry and end phone conversation.. to treat a patient!! Not one of these Drs. Claimed accuracy on that report.. just ‘nothing!”sorry… I’m still so concerned… I’d like my life extended as long as possible… as we all do! Thank you all again!

I had a report on the biopsy/and surgery on portal, I may ask for complete report in writing. I’m not comfortable at all with the lack of continuity of proposed procedure and what was explained to me by the attending Dr. From hospital… not the surgeon! I’ve since had several telephone-video consults after surgery but it still didn’t jive with the ‘attending physicians explanation (hospitalist) ! Very upsetting. Thank you so much for your message and concern. I’m clueless.. it’s taken neatly 3 yrs from initial colonoscopy finding 2 sessille serrated polyps in appendix. Or perhaps only one , in appendix but another in cecum(?) very hard to follow all reports by (3) surgeons and all completely different (UTSW oncology stated NO polyps as they had been removed… but NO (wrong) as 3 rd Surgeon found the polyp in appendeceal orifice by colonoscopy… the last surgeon (that did the procedure!) I’m so very tired… husband now in Hospice at home! 91.. I’m still caring for him completely 23 outbid 24 hrs. I’m going in for Echo… this week as Cardioligist detected heart murmur ( in me) … just getting so very upset with Elder care… just really been thrown under the bus… both of us. Even Mayo declined appointments for either of us! We have rare menus of illnesses… and chronic I believe!! Thank you again!!

I had a positive Cologuard and just had my first colonoscopy yesterday at the age of 52. The doctor told me that there is a medium sized polyp at the base of my appendix that couldn't be removed safely due to risk of perforation and the fact that they cannot be sure that the polyp doesn't extend into the appendix. I am reading that this is fairly rate. So I now I am waiting to hear the result of the biopsy. The doctor said that the polyp needs to be removed even if its just benign or precancerous (which I thought was the same thing) either by a highly skilled gastro surgeon or via an appendectomy. He said he'd be surprised if its cancerous but that would be a different conversation. I'm so confused and upset by all this.

Hello @dlc69 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sure all of this news and lack of concrete next steps is worrisome to say the least.

As I read your post, I get the sense that you are very in tune with what the doctor has shared with you but the uncertainty is what is troubling you at the moment. It is so understandable during this waiting period.

Have you considered making a list of "what ifs" if the news comes back that the tumor is benign/non-cancerous vs. cancerous just to feel like you will be prepared to carry on the next conversation with regard to your care? It may be an exercise that will let you write your thoughts/concerns down either way and also be prepared with questions following your test results.

@dlc69, I wanted to check in with you and to find out what you've since learned from the biopsy of the polyp. I can understand your confusion regarding benign vs pre-cancerous polyps. They are not the same thing. Polyps in our colon are very common. Certain shapes (flat with short stems) may indicate a higher risk of developing into cancer (pre-cancerous). This article explains clearly and in-depth:
- Types of Polyps and Cancer Risk https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/about-colorectal-cancer/prevention/colon-polyps/

Because colorectal cancer grows very slowly, tests like Cologuard and colonoscopy are highly effective of stopping potential cancer in its tracks.

I've had both benign and pre-cancerous polyps. They were removed easily and without after effects during a colonoscopy. It sounds like the location of your polyps may be a little more tricky but not complicated if done by an experienced GI surgeon.

Please share the result of your biospy and next steps.

I have a history of precancerous polyps since 2007. In 2018 I had the very same thing as you. After my colonoscopy my Dr. (Surgeon) of 10+ yrs said “you have a poylp in your appendix”I found out was in the
appendeceal orifice’ time
went on,several months.i called and asked (?),he said “oh!i can snip it right out (along w/appendix but first we need an Catscan it showed “ a “mass in colon concerning malignancy”Dr.didn’t tell me I had to order the report and it was ‘next day expressed!’6 mo went by another colonoscopy (report said”diverticulitis) no mention of poylp in appendix or “mass”so another Catscan shiwed “stool in colon!) still no mass or mention of polyp in appendix. I went to another surgeon 5 mo later he said “I’ll run a Catscan with contrast for your PEACE of mind”!that scan shiwed NO polyps!i had NO peace of mind as 2017 actually said “2”sessille serrated polyps! I was livid as tgese poylps are nit removable w/colonoscopy so..gexspoofed it off as ‘gone’!i objected vecause I understood polyps only biopsies for testing. Showing benign!they sent me to an oncology geriatric Dr. Who basically said”you just have too much info!(i’m 81 at that time!”mo’spast,im researching, so I went to a3rd Colon Surgeon who said “yes, the appendix and poylp must come OUT!surgery 2021 July
14! Today,I’m due for yearly ck-up,another colonoscopy!durin this time I research sessile serrated poylp s abd found,they turn to cancer quite frequently,though typically benign on first finding!(?)cancer can appear in 10-12yrs.!my reports showed other poylps,biopsid not removed 13yrs.prior!so I wait!
For new colonoscopy! I’ll report the findings. I’m now 84.i digressed, te surgery in 2022 found a small benign mass on appendix!) removed!a long tedious worrisome journey!im now suffering microscopic colitis in lining of colon(?)nausea,duarrhea,unstoppable!could thiseunremived and ‘leftover,biopsidedpoylos be ‘cancer?..my fear!thanks for this long comment!

Please excuse many typos in my long text (polyps in appendix)! I’m 84 and do not text well!