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Updated: Jan 27, 2026
Culture and Imaging of Ex Vivo Organotypic Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Tumor Slices from Resected Human Tumor Specimens
Published on: December 9, 2022
Pathophysiology and classification of pseudomyxoma peritonei
Mark Bignell1, Norman J Carr, Faheez Mohamed
1Peritoneal Malignancy Institute, Basingstoke, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Abstract:
Background: The term pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) was first described in 1884 and there has been much debate since then over the term. A recent consensus of world experts agreed that PMP should be thought of as a clinical entity characterised by the presence of mucinous ascites, omental cake, peritoneal implants and possibly ovarian involvement. It generally originates from mucinous appendiceal tumours. Content: This review details the clinical presentation of this unusual condition, presents the new classification system and how this relates to outcome. The pathophysiology of this disease is also explored with a special reference to the relationship of the disease to tumour markers. Summary: A classification system has been agreed upon by the leading experts in PMP which is now divided into low and high grade mucinous carcinomatosis peritonei. This distinction correlates with clinical outcome as does the presence of raised tumour markers preoperatively. Outlook: Research needs to be focused on understanding the factors associated with poor prognosis through well designed multi-centred prospective studies. This will allow us to identify patients with bad tumour biology so that targeted treatment based on likely prognosis may then become a reality.
Insights
Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is now classified into low and high grade mucinous carcinomatosis peritonei. This classification, along with preoperative tumor markers, correlates with patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare condition with a debated definition, now recognized as a clinical entity involving mucinous ascites and peritoneal implants.
- PMP typically originates from mucinous appendiceal tumors and can involve the ovaries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation and pathophysiology of pseudomyxoma peritonei.
- To introduce and discuss the implications of a new classification system for PMP.
- To explore the relationship between tumor markers and disease outcome.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pseudomyxoma peritonei.
- Analysis of a new consensus-based classification system for PMP.
- Correlation of clinical presentation, classification, and tumor markers with patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- A consensus classification divides PMP into low and high-grade mucinous carcinomatosis peritonei.
- This classification correlates with clinical outcomes.
- Preoperative tumor marker levels also correlate with patient prognosis.
Conclusions:
- The new PMP classification system provides prognostic information.
- Tumor markers are valuable indicators of clinical outcome in PMP.
- Future research should focus on prospective studies to identify factors for poor prognosis and guide targeted treatments.
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