Papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum

Abstract

Objective: To describe the clinical features of papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum followed by a short review of the literature.

Methods: From January 1986 to May 1994, six patients with papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum were treated at our institution. Their presenting features, sites of disease at the time of staging laparotomy, subsequent treatment and follow-up were reviewed.

Results: The mean age was 53.3 years (range 46-59). The most common presenting features were abdominal pain, distention and the presence of ascites. Common sites of disease at the time of laparotomy were the peritoneal and subdiaphragmatic surfaces, omentum, serosa of bowel and superficial involvement of the ovaries. Patients were treated with cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy.

Conclusion: Although experience is scant and more data is needed, for the time being, management for primary peritoneal carcinoma is as for ovarian cancer.