Is pseudomyxoma considered cancer?

This is a very common question. The term “cancer” refers to malignant tumors, which behave very differently from benign tumors, the latter being more easily treatable. Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare condition that often causes confusion among patients and even some healthcare professionals.

What is Pseudomyxoma?

Pseudomyxoma peritonei, which refers to the accumulation of mucin (a jelly-like substance) in the abdomen, typically originates from a tumor in the appendix. Mucin is a gelatinous substance that can spread throughout the abdominal cavity, leading to the formation of masses and abdominal distension. Most of these tumors are benign and are classified as “low-grade mucinous neoplasms” or “high-grade mucinous neoplasms,” depending on the cellular characteristics observed under the microscope.

Despite being benign, these tumors can spread throughout the abdomen and cause pseudomyxoma. The spread occurs due to the rupture of the initial tumor, releasing mucin into the abdominal cavity. This mucin can adhere to various surfaces within the abdomen, such as the peritoneum, which is the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the organs within it.

Also, read: Is pseudomyxoma a common disease?

Understanding Complications and Treatment

Despite sounding unusual, most pseudomyxomas are not cancer but rather a unique dissemination of a benign type of tumor from the appendix. This condition, though benign, can be quite serious because mucin can lead to complications such as intestinal obstructions and respiratory difficulties due to abdominal swelling. Treatment involves surgically removing the mucin and affected tissue, followed by intraperitoneal chemotherapy to eliminate any remaining tumor cells.

Of course, there are exceptions. About 20% of pseudomyxoma cases are caused by adenocarcinomas of the appendix, which are malignant tumors—a form of cancer. Adenocarcinomas are tumors that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). Nevertheless, despite their relative severity, the disease is still managed as pseudomyxoma, and with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, there is a high chance of cure.