Hi All,

I just wanted to share the info we found out about Goblet Cell Cancer (GCC) of the appendix.  My partner was diagnosed with GCC and our local hospital advised that a right hemi-colectomy was the "gold standard" follow up treatment, which would check / remove the local lymph nodes to make sure everything was clear.  They also said that follow up systemic chemo might be needed, depending on the results of the lymph nodes.

We were advised to be careful trying to research info on the internet and not to use "Dr Google" too much - but I'm so glad we did!

I searched "Goblet Cell Cancer of the Appendix NHS" and the first result was an NHS hospital that said that GCC was very rare; aggressive; a mixture of both neuroendocrine tumours and adenocarcinomas of the appendix; and all cases should be referred to a specialist centre.  I understand there are only 2 specialist centres in the UK.

We queried this with our local hospital who advised that this was not necessary, and a right hemi-colectomy was all that was needed.  We were confused by this and so checked with one of the national centres directly, who confirmed that all GCC cases should be referred.  This is because GCC are rare and so need to be seen by a specialist centre, who see a higher volume of cases and so have more experience.  

My partner was referred to one of these centres and offered a different surgery, to remove any traces of cancer found in the abdomen, followed by HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy).  This means that the abdomen is given a hot chemo washout after the surgery, to mop up any microscopic cancer cells that may have "seeded" throughout the abdomen, ready to grow further.

This is a much bigger operation, with greater risks and is not suitable for everyone.  However, I am really concerned that many people are not being given the full information about the options available to them, as we wouldn't have known about cytoreductive surgery & HIPEC, if we hadn't done our own research and asked questions.

GCC is a rare form of cancer and so there is limited research available into the best treatment options and outcomes for patients.  I do understand that opinions can vary, but I do think that patients should be given all the information and options available, so that they can make their own, informed choices for their situation.

Good luck and best wishes to anyone else who is going through this.  Stay strong and keep asking questions!!