Pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendiceal origin. The memorial sloan-kettering cancer center experience

Abstract

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare clinical entity in which the peritoneal surfaces and omentum are involved with diffuse gelatinous mucinous implants. It originates from ruptured mucinous tumors of the appendix or ovary. The authors examined the experience with 34 patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei seen at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1952-1989. Of these, 17 cases were identified to be of appendiceal origin. All patients underwent celiotomy and cytoreduction. The median survival time from diagnosis was 75 months. It was found that long-term survival can be achieved by operation alone. When conditions do recur, chemotherapy may be valuable. Pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendiceal origin is a rare low-grade malignancy. Initial treatment consists of cytoreduction in an attempt to render the patient locally disease-free. Long-term survival can be obtained by operation alone, even if gross disease is present at the end of the procedure. Systemic chemotherapy should be reserved for patients with proven recurrence.