appendix conditions
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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