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PMP Treatment

PMP is an abbreviation for the medical condition Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, which is caused by a benign mucinous tumor in the abdomen. The symptoms of PMP include bloating and pain in the abdomen or pelvis, weight fluctuations, digestion problems and infertility. It is a rare condition with only a few treatment options available.

  1. Description

    • PMP develops when tumor cells that produce mucin travel from the appendix to the abdomen and grow. The tumors secrete mucus in the abdomen, causing the abdomen to swell and compress other vital organs, such as the liver and pancreas. PMP tumors generally remain in the abdomen or pelvis and rarely spread to other tissues.

    Surgery

    • Surgical removal of the tumors is an option. If the tumors are irremovable, removal of the stomach may be necessary. If the tumor has spread to other organs, such as the gallbladder, spleen, uterus or large intestine, they may also be removed.

    Chemotherapy

    • Surgery may be combined with chemotherapy. In some cases, heated chemotherapy is administered directly after surgery. In this instance, it is administered directly to the abdominal cavity for one to two hours. Also, EPIC chemotherapy, which involves inserting ports to drain the treatment chemicals from the abdomen, may be prescribed. EPIC is generally administered during multiple sessions for several months post surgery.

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