The outlook for appendix cancer varies widely depending on the tumor type, grade and how far the cancer has spread at diagnosis. Because this disease is rare, survival rates are based on smaller studies and registry data compared with more common cancers. Still, the information available helps healthcare professionals estimate outcomes and guide treatment planning.
When appendix cancer is found early and limited to the appendix, surgery often provides an excellent chance of long-term survival. If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum, the outlook depends on how completely the cancer can be removed and how well it responds to treatment.
Survival statistics
Survival statistics come mainly from national databases and registry studies, including the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program. Many studies report survival using a method called summary staging. Summary staging groups tumors into three categories:
- Localized, meaning cancer is limited to the appendix.
- Regional, meaning cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
- Distant, meaning cancer has spread to organs such as the liver or throughout the abdomen.
For low-grade, early-stage appendix cancers, SEER data show that five-year overall survival ranges from about 68% to nearly 97%. If the cancer has spread or is high grade, survival rates may be lower. It's important to remember that these numbers describe trends and cannot predict individual outcomes.
Localized appendix cancer
Localized disease is limited to the appendix and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs. SEER-based studies show that survival is highest at this stage, and many people do very well after surgery alone. Long-term outcomes are often excellent when the cancer is removed before it spreads.
Regional appendix cancer
Regional appendix cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Survival is lower than in localized disease, but many people continue to live well with appropriate treatment. The outlook depends on the tumor's characteristics and whether complete removal of visible cancer is possible.
Distant appendix cancer
Distant, also called metastatic, appendix cancer means the disease has spread to areas such as the liver or the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. Survival at this stage varies widely and depends on the tumor type and how well the cancer responds to treatment. SEER-based data show that survival is generally lowest at this stage compared with localized or regional disease.
Many people with distant spread can still live for several years when treatment includes cytoreductive surgery, especially when all visible cancer can be removed. In these situations, surgery and chemotherapy aim to control the cancer, relieve symptoms and support quality of life.
Looking ahead
These survival categories offer a helpful general framework, but they cannot predict any one person's outcome. Appendix cancer includes several different tumor types, each with its own behavior. Advances in diagnosis, surgery and systemic therapy continue to improve outcomes over time.
Dec. 30, 2025