Pseudomyxoma peritonei (patient information)
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Pseudomyxoma peritonei |
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Pseudomyxoma peritonei On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Pseudomyxoma peritonei |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare clinical syndrome which is characterized by the accumulation of mucins in the peritoneum causing an increase in abdominal girth "Jelly-belly", compressing on other organs such as liver, colon, pancreas.
What are the symptoms of Pseudomyxoma peritonei?
Symptoms of pseudomyxoma peritonei include:
- Increase in abdominal girth
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
What causes Pseudomyxoma peritonei?
There are no established causes for pseudomyxoma peritonei, it is shown in studies that pseudomyxoma mostly arises from the tumor of the appendix, and less commonly from ovary and colon.
Who is at highest risk?
Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare disease with an incidence of 0.1 person per 100,000 people and slightly is seen more in female and the average age at diagnosis is 50 years old.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei usually are asymptomatic at the beginning but any increase in abdominal girth, bloating, the sensation of fullness, abdominal pain warrants further evaluation and primary care visit is necessary.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei is complicated and it is based on clinical symptoms, imaging studies such as CT-Scan findings and histology of primary tumor.
Treatment options
The mainstay of treatment for pseudomyxoma peritonei is surgery combined with chemotherapy, the prognosis is very well in most cases.
Where to find medical care for Pseudomyxoma peritonei?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Pseudomyxoma peritonei
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Majority of patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei experience good prognosis with exception of those having high-grade neoplasm.
Possible complications
Complications of pseudomyxoma pertonei may include:
- Small bowel obstruction
- Compression on liver, pancreas, ovary
- Post-operative complications such as adhesions.