Appendicitis is inflammation of the vermiform appendix (or just the appendix, for short), a little structure within the lower gastrointestinal tract. In appendicitis, the appendix swells, causing a ...

One shift in where the pain sits separates a stomach bug from a surgical emergency.

Appendix cancer, also called appendiceal cancer, is a rare condition that starts in the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. For decades, it was considered extremely uncommon and ...

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a finger-shaped pouch that projects from your colon on the lower right side of your abdomen. Appendicitis causes pain in your lower right abdomen.

Appendicitis progresses through four stages: simple (inflammation without complications), suppurative (inflammation with pus and ulcers), gangrenous (tissue death), and perforated (ruptured appendix).

The signs of acute appendicitis are fairly clear-cut but not so with chronic appendicitis, which is also called “grumbling appendix.” (iStock) Perspective by Elizabeth Svoboda The pain first hit when ...

The evolution of the appendix is a fascinating phenomenon. Learn about the original function of the appendix and why having one may cause more trouble than it’s worth. Most of us are familiar with the ...