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Culture and Imaging of Ex Vivo Organotypic Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Tumor Slices from Resected Human Tumor Specimens
Published on: December 9, 2022
Aggressive pseudomyxoma peritonei: a case report with an unusual clinical presentation
Zisis Touloumis1, George Galyfos, Nikolaos Kavouras
1Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Chalkis, 48 Gazepi Street, Chalkis, 34100 Evia, Greece.
Abstract:
Introduction. Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is an uncommon surgical entity. We report a case of aggressive disease with an unusual clinical presentation and we analyze current data on diagnosis and management of PMP. Case Presentation. A 71-year-old male patient presented with intermittent diarrhea and loss of appetite during the last two months, without any other classic symptoms of PMP. The clinical examination was misleading due to patient's obesity. The radiological evaluation revealed ascites of the abdomen and possible mucocele of the appendix, whereas the laboratory exams showed high values of specific tumour markers. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy for definite diagnosis. Biopsies and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of an aggressive and extended peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis (PMCA). The patient was programmed for adjuvant systematic chemotherapy, which was not completed due to progression of the disease. Conclusions. Progressed PMP can present with unspecific symptoms that mislead diagnosis. Cytoreductive surgery in combination with systematic chemotherapy could be appropriate for aggressive PMCA, even with an unfavourable prognosis.
Insights
Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) can present with vague symptoms, complicating diagnosis. Aggressive peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis (PMCA) may benefit from cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy despite poor prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare clinical condition.
- Aggressive disease can present atypically.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of PMP with unusual presentation.
- To analyze current data on PMP diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 71-year-old male.
- Diagnostic workup included clinical examination, radiology, tumor markers, and laparotomy with biopsies.
- Immunohistochemical examination confirmed peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis (PMCA).
Main Results:
- Patient presented with non-specific symptoms (diarrhea, loss of appetite) and obesity.
- Radiology showed ascites and possible appendiceal mucocele.
- High tumor markers and confirmed aggressive PMCA.
Conclusions:
- Advanced PMP can have misleading, unspecific symptoms.
- Cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy may be considered for aggressive PMCA, even with unfavorable prognosis.
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