Appendix cancer. Light micrograph of a section through a carcinoid tumour of the appendix. This is a malignant tumour (neoplasm) that arises in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. This type of cancer readily spreads (metastatases) especially to the lymph nodes. The prognosis for patients with metastases is very poor, as death usually occurs within 36 months. If a diagnosis is made earlier, surgical removal of the affected area along with anticancer drugs can cure the condition. Magnification unknown.