Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare disease characterized by the presence of mucin in the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity. While the most common cause of PMP is appendix cancer, several types of tumors (including non-cancerous tumors) can cause PMP. Signs and symptoms may include an increase in abdominal size or bloating; inguinal hernia (in men); an ovarian mass that may be felt during a routine pelvic exam (in women); pain or discomfort in the abdomen; and/or appendicitis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition (the location and type of the original tumor, including whether it is malignant) and the extent of spreading. A combination of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is often the most successful treatment.