Actor Adan Canto died of appendiceal cancer at age 42. Here's what to know about the dis Survivor actor Adan Canto died at age 42. The cause of death was appendiceal cancer, a rare disease that occurs when a tumor forms in the appendix. According to the Cleveland Clinic, appendiceal cancer affects about 1 to 2 people out of every 1 million in the U.S. Here’s what to know about it.Appendiceal cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the appendix, a small pouch located in the abdomen. The appendix is part of the digestive system, although its exact function is not entirely clear, with some people theorizing it may play a role in immune function.Around 50% of appendix cancers are known as carcinoid tumors, per the Cleveland Clinic. These tumors affect neuroendocrine cells, specialized cells in the body that release hormones that act as messengers to regulate various functions between the nervous system and the endocrine system. Generally, carcinoid tumors tend to grow slowly.
Appendiceal adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that originates in the tissue that lines the inside of the appendix. There are different subtypes of appendiceal adenocarcinoma, each with unique characteristics. For example, colonic-type adenocarcinoma, which develops near the base of the appendix, often causes the patient to develop symptoms similar to colorectal cancer.
Though it’s unclear how Canto was diagnosed specifically, appendiceal cancer is typically difficult to identify based on symptoms alone because many people don’t present with symptoms in its early stages.Unfortunately, there is no screening test," says Dr. Christopher Chen, a specialist in oncology and hematology at Stanford University School of Medicine. "Many cases are diagnosed unexpectedly when patients are taken for an appendectomy due to symptoms of acute appendicitis, like abdominal pain, nausea or bloating."
Appendicitis itself can be a warning sign of appendiceal cancer.
This type of cancer may also be found if the cancer spreads from the appendix to the abdomen, leading to more noticeable symptoms. These symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating and bowel obstructions, or general cancer-related symptoms like unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
