Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
Pseudomyxomaperitonei(PMP) is a rare and indolent (slow-growing) type ofabdominal cancer. Around two people per million are diagnosed with PMP each year.
PMP causes a buildup of mucus-secreting (mucinous) tumor cells in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and pelvis. Mucinous tumor cells produce mucus (mucin), which has a jelly-like quality.
PMP tumor cells may spread throughout the abdomen and pelvis. They may also affect the ovaries (egg-producing organs).
Unlike other cancers, PMP doesn’t typically spread to distant sites in the body.
This article will discuss the types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and other factors associated with treating PMP.
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The abdomen is located between the chest and pelvis. It contains all the organs needed for digestion, including the stomach, large and small intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. These organs are covered with peritoneal fluid, so they can slide against each other without friction.
The abdomen also houses the spleen and kidneys. Blood vessels, including the aorta, travel through this area of the body.
This article will discuss all aspects of PMP including causes, treatments, diagnosis, and prognosis.
Types of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Symptoms
PMP is slow-growing, so you may not have symptoms for a long time. As the disease progresses, mucin in your abdomen will become copious. This causes an enlarged abdomen, the most common early symptom of this disease.You may also feel abdominal pressure or discomfort.
Symptoms of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Causes of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Appendix canceris the most common cause of PMP.There are no known genetic risk factors or environmental causes for this disease.
PMP occurs when a polyp-like growth in the appendix pushes into the peritoneum through the abdominal wall. This growth is called a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN).
Mucinous tumor cells from the appendix slowly migrate throughout the peritoneum and abdominal organs, where they attach themselves and secrete mucin (mucus). The tumor cells may also infiltrate the pelvis. The tumor cells may attach themselves to one or both ovaries, if present.
What Is Pseudomyxoma Peritonei?
Because it’s slow growing, PMP is often suspected during a test or treatment for another condition. If you have symptoms, your healthcare provider will give you a physical examination and several tests to confirm the diagnosis. Tests include:
Treatments for PMPare done to eradicate or slow down the progression of the disease. They are also used to alleviate symptoms. The extent of spread and your overall health will be considered when your treatment plan is designed.
If the disease is not causing symptoms, your healthcare provider will recommendwatchful waiting. You will be monitored to check for tumor growth or spread during this time.
The most common and aggressive form of treatment iscytoreductive surgery andhyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Cytoreductive surgery removes mucin and mucinous tumors from the abdomen and pelvis. The original appendiceal tumor will also be removed. Abdominal organs may be removed in some instances.
This surgery may last for 10 hours or longer. After surgery, while you are still under anesthesia, a heated chemotherapy liquid will be placed into your abdomen to kill any remaining cancer cells. This portion of the procedure is calledhyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. HIPEC may be repeated several times over the next few days.
If you are not a candidate for cytoreductive surgery,debulking surgery, either with or without HIPEC, may be recommended. Debulking surgery removes mucin and PMP cancer cells. It is beneficial for reducing the spread and alleviating symptoms.
If you are not a candidate for either surgery,chemotherapymay be recommended. Chemotherapy is beneficial for slowing down or stopping cancer spread and alleviating symptoms.
It can be upsetting to find out you have a rare cancer. The treatments for PMP can be physically and mentally challenging, making it even harder to cope. As with so many things in life, your journey may be easier if you reach out to others for support.
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for getting the help you need. You may be able to get support from loved ones and friends. Or, you may benefit from seeing a therapist who specializes in the needs of people living with cancer. If you’re on Facebook, there are several PMP support groups you may wish to join.
Coping with any type of cancer is also easier if you practice self-care. Anxiety-busters vary from person to person but may include exercise, meditation, and yoga. Eating healthy food and participating in activities you enjoy are also beneficial.
Summary
A Word From Verywell
PMP is often curable. Since it’s so rare, there’s no screening test for this condition. If you have PMP symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about testing that can confirm a diagnosis or rule it out.
If you have PMP, you’re not alone. Creating a support system of others with PMP or with other types of cancer can help you find the strength and inspiration you need to get through.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Pseudomyxoma peritonei.Pseudomyxoma Survivor.About pseudomyxoma peritonei.Appenix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation.About appendix cancer.Cancer Research UK.Pseudomyxoma peritonei.Pseudomyxoma Survivor.Tests and procedures.Cancer Research UK.Treatment for pseudomyxoma peritonei.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Pseudomyxoma peritonei.Pseudomyxoma Survivor.About pseudomyxoma peritonei.Appenix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation.About appendix cancer.Cancer Research UK.Pseudomyxoma peritonei.Pseudomyxoma Survivor.Tests and procedures.Cancer Research UK.Treatment for pseudomyxoma peritonei.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Pseudomyxoma peritonei.Pseudomyxoma Survivor.About pseudomyxoma peritonei.Appenix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation.About appendix cancer.Cancer Research UK.Pseudomyxoma peritonei.Pseudomyxoma Survivor.Tests and procedures.Cancer Research UK.Treatment for pseudomyxoma peritonei.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Pseudomyxoma peritonei.
Pseudomyxoma Survivor.About pseudomyxoma peritonei.
Appenix Cancer Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation.About appendix cancer.
Cancer Research UK.Pseudomyxoma peritonei.
Pseudomyxoma Survivor.Tests and procedures.
Cancer Research UK.Treatment for pseudomyxoma peritonei.
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