For more than a century the appendix carried a reputation as the body’s most useless part, a leftover pouch that seemed good for nothing except occasionally becoming inflamed and requiring emergency ...

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

A sudden bout of gas, bloating, or stomach discomfort is common and is usually nothing serious. But sometimes, abdominal pain ...

Stump appendicitis is a rare complication that occurs when the residual appendix becomes inflamed after an appendectomy. It is estimated to occur in between 0.002% and 0.15% of cases, although it may ...

This small organ can cause big problems when inflammation sets in, potentially leading to life-threatening complications if left untreated. That nagging pain in your abdomen might be more than just a ...

Appendix cancer is not. That lack of awareness can make this rare cancer even harder to understand, especially because some ...

Appendicitis symptoms start with belly pain that moves and intensifies in your lower right side. Without surgery, perforated appendicitis can lead to serious complications like peritonitis or sepsis.

Appendicitis is not an inherited condition, but genetics may play a role. However, the cause of appendicitis is often unclear. Appendicitis refers to inflammation of the appendix. An infection may ...

That sudden pain in your abdomen might just be indigestion—or it could be something far more serious. When it comes to appendicitis, knowing the difference could save your life. This potentially ...

Your large intestine is the body’s roadway for waste. After the small intestine takes nutrients from your food, the rest enters the large intestine, turns into stool and travels toward the rectum. But ...