Unless a tumor in the appendix causes appendicitis, you may not have noticeable symptoms until the cancer is advanced and has spread to other organs or caused a blockage. Often, appendix cancer is found accidentally when the organ is removed or when a patient is having a scan for another reason and the radiologist notices a suspicious mass.

The main symptom of appendix cancer — bloating or an increase in abdominal size — could be a sign of many other illnesses.

Other symptoms are related to the organs to which the cancer has spread. These include:

• pelvic discomfort or vague abdominal discomfort, usually on the right side
• pain in the abdomen and/or a feeling of fullness
• hernias
• bowel obstruction or blockage
• inability to pass gas
• diarrhea
• ovarian masses
• shortness of breath
• flushing or redness about the face and neck
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting

Symptoms of appendicitis include:

• sharp, severe pain that starts in the center of the abdomen but moves down to the lower right side
• pain that worsens on coughing
• nausea and vomiting
• low-grade fever
• diarrhea or hard stools

If the appendix bursts, the symptoms may go away for a while. However, they will return, along with the other symptoms.