Living with Pseudomyxoma peritonei
A rare condition in which jelly-like mucin builds up in the abdomen, usually from a tumor in the appendix.
Understanding Pseudomyxoma peritonei
The most common cause is appendix cancer, but several kinds of tumors, including noncancerous ones, can cause it. It usually appears in adulthood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- A larger belly or bloating
- Fluid in the belly (ascites)
- Belly pain or discomfort
- Groin hernia in men
- An ovarian mass in women
- Appendicitis
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Appendix Cancer/Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation and PMP Pals Network may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Appendix Cancer/Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation, PMP Pals Network
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Appendix Cancer/Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the most common cause is appendix cancer, and several other tumor types can also cause it.
Also known as: adenomucinosis; gelatinous ascites; mucinous ascites; myxoma peritonei; peritoneal cavity pseudomyxoma peritonei; pmp
Patient organizations
- Appendix Cancer/Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research FoundationPseudomyxoma peritonei · United States
- PMP Pals NetworkPseudomyxoma peritonei · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Pseudomyxoma peritonei.
Explore research for Pseudomyxoma peritonei
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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