Pseudomyxoma peritonei

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a low-grade mucinous tumor of the parietal peritoneum, omentum and bowel serosa. Uncommon, female > male, mostly middle-aged/elderly. Prone to recurrence; clinically challenging.

Common Symptoms

Hypersecretion of mucus; increased abdominal girth; borborygmus; dyspnea; ascites; abdominal pain; hepatomegaly

Causes

Unknown; forms from rupture of ovarian mucinous cyst/cystadenoma or appendiceal mucocele. Mucus with epithelial cells enters the peritoneum, causing inflammation and accumulating gelatinous ascites ("jelly belly"). May also spread hematogenously/lymphatically. Origins: ~45% ovary, 29% appendix, 26% unknown; 1-2% of ovarian tumors progress to PMP. Rarely secondary to teratoma/fibroma/uterine carcinoma/intestinal mucinous adenocarcinoma/urachal cyst/jejunal mesenteric cyst/common bile duct mucinous adenocarcinoma/pancreatic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma/peritoneal mesothelioma. Rupture spreads mucus and columnar epithelium, adhering to peritoneum/omentum/serosa, forming cystic spaces of varying size filled with pale yellow gelatinous mucus. Mucus/epithelium cause inflammation/adhesions; adhesive obstruction worsens prognosis. Omentum forms "omental cake". Histology: mature epithelial cords in loose stroma with mucin pools; locally invasive despite benign appearance.

Treatment

Surgery; drug therapy; supportive care

Prevention

Rest; balance work/rest; ordered life; optimistic attitude helps prevention.

Recommended Department

It is recommended to visit the oncological surgery department; before the visit you may first book an appointment and connect with experts through this platform.

Warm reminder: The above information is provided for health education reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek care at a regular hospital in time.