A case study on jelly belly: Pseudomyxoma peritonei

Abstract

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare malignant growth characterised by the progressive accumulation of mucus-secreting (mucinous) tumour cells within the abdomen and pelvis. The common manifestations in patients are abdominal distension and appendicitis-like symptoms. Computed tomography scan with contrast of the chest, abdomen and pelvis is currently the imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis of PMP. As per the current guideline, the curative treatment for PMP is complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The purpose of this article is to highlight the rarity of the disease and the typical presenting symptoms, the trends in diagnosis and treatment, the role of nurses and the challenges faced in taking care of patients with rare malignancies receiving treatment.