Sunday 9 October 2011

Ten Facts about Psuedomyxoma Peritonei

1. Pseudomyxoma Peritonei literally, this means false (pseudo) benign tumor with mucinous features (myxoma) of the abdomen (peritonei). PMP is sometimes known as "jelly belly". Source-PMP awareness.org

2. The first case was described by Carl F. Rokitansky in 1842. Werth in 1884 coined the term pseudomyxoma peritonei, describing it in association with a mucinous ovarian tumour. In 1901 Frankel described the first case associated with a cyst of the appendix.Source- Wikipedia.

3. The overall incidence is ~2-3 per million per year. It is slightly more common in women than men (male:female ratio = 9:11).Source Wikipedia.

4. Symptoms may include abdominal or pelvic pain and/or bloating, distension, digestive disorders, weight changes, increased girth and infertility. Source Wikipedia.

5. For the majority of people with true pseudomyxoma an adenoma is found in the appendix. Like many other tumours, pseudomyxoma can occur in people who lead healthy lifestyles.Source-The Christie

6. There are three approaches in the management of PMP- Watch and wait, Debulking and Cytoreductive surgery and peri-operative chemotherapy. Source-The Christie.

7. Cytoreductive surgery is an extensive procedure that lasts on average more than ten hours. If complete tumour removal has been possible, intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been given and the tumour is at the benign end of the spectrum, 50-80% will have 10 year disease free survival. Source-The Christie.

8. A picture of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.




9. What does MOAS mean?-"Mother of All Surgeries!" - it refers to CRS/HIPEC - CytoReductive Surgery combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy), sometimes known as HIPEC or perfusion surgery. The phrase was coined by Sheri Telesh on her web site "Brian's Story" about her husband Brian who had PMP and has been cancer free for over 8 years. Source-PMP awareness.org.

10. Well known sufferers of PMP have been the late Audrey Hepburn (actress) who died of the disease, Steve Prescott –Rugby league player-St Helens,Wakefeild,Hull,Ireland and GB Lions Tourist.