Pseudomyxoma peritonei extending to the lower extremity: a case report

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is defined by mucinous ascites from a mucin-producing neoplasm, though its definition remains debated.
• PMP can lead to cachexia and death due to intestinal obstruction as tumor deposits engulf the abdominal cavity.

Observation:

• A unique case of PMP in an 80-year-old woman presented with extensive tumor deposits reaching the lower extremity, mimicking an infectious process.
• Despite a histologic subtype typically associated with a poor prognosis, the patient survived long-term without bowel obstruction.

Findings:

• The lower extremity lesion was managed with limited, extensive surgery.
• The precise origin of the PMP and the mechanism of its unusual extension to the extremity were not elucidated in this case.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of recognizing PMP and its rare presentations, such as extremity involvement.
• Further research is needed to clarify the disease mechanisms and establish optimal management strategies for such unusual PMP cases.