Yes, pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is considered a type of cancer. It is a rare cancer that usually starts in the appendix and can spread to the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity. The cancer cells in PMP produce a jelly-like substance called mucin, which can fill the abdominal cavity and cause a range of symptoms. While PMP is considered a type of cancer, it is often treated differently from other types of cancer due to its unique characteristics and behaviour.
It’s worth noting that PMP is usually classified as a low-grade malignancy, meaning that it is considered a form of cancer but is often slow-growing and not as aggressive as other types of cancer.
References
Appendiceal tumours and Pseudomyxoma peritonei: Literature review with PSOGI/EURACAN clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment
Govaerts K, Lurvink RJ, De Hingh IHJT, et al (2021). Appendiceal tumours and Pseudomyxoma peritonei: Literature review with PSOGI/EURACAN clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. European Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2021;47(1):11-35. Retrieved on April5, 2023, from doi:10.1016/j.ejso.2020.02.012
Pseudomyxoma peritonei: natural history and treatment
Mittal R, Chandramohan A, Moran B. Pseudomyxoma peritonei: natural history and treatment. Int J Hyperthermia. 2017;33(5):511-519. Retrieved on April 5, 2023, from doi:10.1080/02656736.2017.1310938
Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: Pathology, a Historical Overview, and Proposal for Unified Nomenclature and Updated Grading
Bradley, Robert F. MD; Carr, Norman J. FRCPath (2019). Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: Pathology, a Historical Overview, and Proposal for Unified Nomenclature and Updated Grading. AJSP: Reviews & Reports 24(3):p 88-93, 5/6 2019. Retrieved on April 5, 2023, from doi:10.1097/PCR.0000000000000305
In case you missed it
10th International Congress on Peritoneal Surface Malignancies
To attend a conference, where there were 600+ people who not only are aware of my disease but have dedicated their lives to researching and performing operations, through HIPEC, all to help in advancing the search for a cure, was a great honour.
An evidence-based approach
The BMJ defines evidence-based medicine as:
“the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients”
It’s a constantly evolving definition and at Pseudomyxoma Survivor, we always look for scientific evidence to back up suggested treatment plans for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) and appendix cancer patients.
Cancer biomarkers in the era of personalised medicine
As part of our commitment to research and to supporting cancer patients, we are inviting you to take part in the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) Survey on biomarker testing.