pseudomyxoma peritonei
Meaning of pseudomyxoma peritonei: A gradual buildup of thick, gelatinous mucus within the abdominal cavity characterizes this rare condition, most often traced to a ruptured appendix tumor.
Definition of pseudomyxoma peritonei
Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare condition in which mucus secreting cells spread within the peritoneal cavity, the space surrounding the abdominal organs, leading to a gradual buildup of thick, gelatinous mucus. It most often develops after a tumor of the appendix ruptures or leaks, releasing mucus producing cells that implant on the peritoneal lining.
Once implanted, these cells continue to produce mucus, which accumulates within the abdomen over time and can compress nearby organs, cause abdominal swelling, and interfere with normal digestive function. The underlying cells can range from relatively slow growing to more aggressive in behavior.
Because pseudomyxoma peritonei tends to spread along peritoneal surfaces rather than through the bloodstream, treatment approaches have focused on removing visible mucus and affected tissue from the abdominal cavity directly, an approach different from how cancers that spread through the blood are typically managed.
Used in a sentence
Imaging revealed extensive mucus accumulation within the abdomen consistent with pseudomyxoma peritonei.
Good to know
Pseudomyxoma peritonei is often described using the informal phrase jelly belly, referring to the gelatinous mucus that accumulates within the abdominal cavity as the condition progresses.
Word origin
Where “pseudomyxoma peritonei” comes from
Formed from Greek pseudes, meaning false, and myxa, meaning mucus, combined with Greek peritonaion, meaning peritoneum, from peri-, meaning around, and teinein, meaning to stretch.