What is pseudomyxoma peritonei?
Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare cancer which usually originates in the appendix, although it has been found to develop in other abdominal organs, such as the ovaries and the bladder. Unlike other cancers, pseudomyxoma peritonei does not spread to distant organs, as the cells do not travel through the blood or the lymph nodes. These cancer cells instead stay inside the peritoneal cavity, where they produce mucus which accumulates over time. The peritoneal cavity is a space in the center of the body containing organs including the stomach, intestines, and liver. This cavity usually secretes approximately 1.6 ounces (about 50 ml) of mucus daily, which acts as a lubricant inside the abdomen. Pseudomyxoma peritonei is characterized by unusually large amounts of mucus produced the peritoneal cavity.
