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Cytologic diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei: common and uncommon causes

L R Pisharodi1, C W Bedrossian

  • 1Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.

Diagnostic Cytopathology
|February 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PP) is mucus accumulation in the abdomen. Cytology shows a mucinous background with specific cells, but rarely, malignant cells may be present, unrelated to the primary tumor.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Oncology
  • Cytopathology

Background:

  • Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PP) is characterized by mucin accumulation within the peritoneal cavity.
  • The etiology and pathogenesis of PP can be diverse.
  • Understanding its cytologic features is crucial for diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review cases of pseudomyxoma peritonei diagnosed at our institution.
  • To identify and describe the key cytologic features of PP.
  • To correlate cytologic findings with the origin of the parent neoplasm.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 8 cases of pseudomyxoma peritonei over a 5-year period.
  • Cytologic analysis of peritoneal fluid samples.
  • Histopathologic correlation where available.

Main Results:

  • A mucinous background with mesothelial cells and histiocytes was consistently observed.
  • Two cases exhibited rare clusters of neoplastic epithelial cells with low-grade malignant features.
  • The cytologic findings did not consistently reflect the origin or nature of the primary neoplasms.

Conclusions:

  • Cytologic examination of pseudomyxoma peritonei reveals a characteristic mucinous background.
  • The presence of neoplastic cells is infrequent and may not indicate the primary tumor type.
  • Diagnosis relies on recognizing the mucinous background and specific cellular components.

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