Pseudomyxoma peritonei diagnosed 19 years after appendicectomy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Pathology

Background:

• Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is characterized by intraperitoneal mucinous material accumulation.
• It can range from mucinous ascites to carcinomatosis, often originating from appendiceal tumors.

Observation:

• A 52-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of abdominal pain and distension.
• She had a history of appendicectomy 19 years prior.

Findings:

• Radiological and pathological investigations confirmed PMP, likely secondary to a long-standing ruptured appendix.
• Diagnosis was significantly delayed due to the long interval since appendicectomy.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering PMP in patients with prolonged abdominal symptoms, even after appendicectomy.
• Management focused on surgical cytoreduction, demonstrating its potential efficacy in select PMP cases.