Pseudomyxoma Peritonei

Excerpt

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare clinical entity, characterized by diffuse intra-abdominal gelatinous ascites, the so-called “jelly belly,” with mucinous implants on peritoneal surfaces. Werth first introduced the term pseudomyxoma peritonei in 1884. It was initially believed to arise from a perforated cystadenoma of the appendix. However, currently, it has been more widely used to describe peritoneal dissemination of mucus-producing neoplasm most frequently from the appendix, but also small and large bowel, stomach, pancreas, lung, breast, gallbladder, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Due to its indolent behavior, pseudomyxoma peritonei is often discovered incidentally with a relatively advanced stage during laparoscopy, laparotomy or imaging studies for other medical concerns. Pseudomyxoma peritonei merits consideration as a ‘borderline malignancy’ with changing prognosis based on the site of origin.