8/18/2019 Appendix Conditions

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Appendix Conditions

• Appendicitis: For unclear reasons, the appendix often becomes inflamed, infected,

and can rupture. This causes severe pain in the right lower part of the belly, along with

nausea and vomiting.

• Tumors of the appendix: Carcinoid tumors secrete chemicals that cause periodic

flushing, wheezing, and diarrhea. pithelial tumors are growths in the appendix that

can be benign or cancerous. Appendix tumors are rare.

Appendix Tests

• !edical examination: The original test for appendicitis, a simple examination of the

 belly remains important in ma"ing the diagnosis. Changes in the abdominal exam

help doctors tell if appendicitis is progressing, as well.

• CT scan #computed tomography$: A CT scanner uses %&rays and a computer to create

detailed images. 'n appendicitis, CT scans can show the inflamed appendix, and

whether it has ruptured.

• (ltrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to detect signs of appendicitis, such as a

swollen appendix.

• Complete blood count #C)C$: An increased number of white blood cells && a sign of

infection and inflammation && are often seen on blood tests during appendicitis.

• *ther imaging tests: +hen a rare tumor of the appendix is suspected, imaging exams

may locate it. These include magnetic resonance imaging #!'$, positron emission

tomography #-T$, and CT scans.

Appendix Treatment

• Appendectomy: urgery is the only treatment for appendicitis. The doctor may use the

traditional techni/ue #one large cut$ or laparoscopy #several small cuts and using a

camera to see inside$. urgery is also needed to remove tumors of the appendix. 'f the

tumor is large, it may re/uire more aggressive surgery with removal of part of thecolon.

• Antibiotics: +hile the diagnosis is in /uestion, antibiotics treat any potential infection

that might be causing the symptoms. 'n general, antibiotics alone cannot effectively

treat appendicitis.

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-appendicitishttp://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/appendicitis-exams-and-testshttp://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-ultrasound-testhttp://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/appendicitis-exams-and-testshttp://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-ultrasound-testhttp://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-appendicitis